ED Intensifies Probe: AAP Leader Saurabh Bhardwaj's Residence Raided Amidst Hospital Construction Scam Allegations

The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recent actions against senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister, Saurabh Bhardwaj, have sent ripples through the national capital's political landscape. On August 26, 2025, the central probe agency conducted extensive raids at Bhardwaj's residence and other associated premises, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding hospital construction projects in Delhi.

Sources within the ED indicate that the raids are connected to a multi-crore hospital construction scam, where initial findings suggest severe financial discrepancies, alleged kickbacks, and violations of tender norms.

The probe agency is reportedly scrutinizing contracts awarded for various hospital projects, particularly those initiated or overseen during the period when Bhardwaj held crucial portfolios related to health or public works. The allegations point towards inflated costs, substandard materials, and a potential nexus between contractors and public officials.

These developments come at a sensitive time for the AAP government, which has frequently championed its reforms in the health sector.

The ED's move is perceived by many as a direct challenge to the party's governance claims and could potentially fuel political tensions between the Delhi government and the central authorities. While the AAP has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, terming the raids as politically motivated harassment, the ED maintains that its investigation is purely based on evidence and financial intelligence.

The agency's primary focus is believed to be on uncovering the money trail, identifying beneficiaries, and ascertaining the extent of financial losses incurred by the exchequer.

Documents, digital evidence, and financial records were reportedly seized during the search operations, which are now being meticulously examined by a team of investigators. The outcome of this high-profile investigation could have significant ramifications for Bhardwaj's political career and the AAP's public image.

As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits further details from both the ED and the AAP.

The case is expected to intensify the debate around accountability, transparency, and alleged corruption in public infrastructure projects, keeping the political discourse buzzing in the coming weeks and months.