New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the residence of AAP Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday. A day later, Bharadwaj alleged that the agency conducted a “fabricated political operation” and manipulated his statement to support its version of events.
Bharadwaj Accuses ED of Altering His Testimony
Bharadwaj told reporters on Wednesday that ED officials tampered with his written testimony. He said they pressured him to remove certain details and later circulated a version that he did not approve.
“They replaced my original statement with their own narrative,” Bharadwaj said at a press conference.
ED Officials Conduct Early Morning Raid
Bharadwaj said ED officers, along with CRPF personnel, arrived at his residence around 7:15 am while his daughter was leaving for school. The officers searched every corner of his house, from cupboards to old files, while Assistant Director Mayank Arora recorded his statement.
He answered 43–44 questions throughout the day. By evening, the team found an affidavit filed by the Health Department before the Delhi High Court. Bharadwaj said he requested the officers to attach the document to his statement since it contradicted allegations against him.
AAP Leader Defends His Tenure as Health Minister
Bharadwaj said delays in Delhi’s hospital infrastructure projects occurred before he became Health Minister.
“I chaired my first meeting on March 22, 2023, soon after taking charge, and I continued monitoring the projects regularly,” he stated.
He accused LG VK Saxena of conspiring against him. “I have evidence in the form of audio, video, and documents from meetings held in the L-G’s office. I will present them in court, not to ED,” he added.
Documents Seized During the Search
According to Bharadwaj, ED seized only two documents: his 2025 election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission and a Health Department affidavit.
He said ED officers even listed his election affidavit as an “incriminating document.” He also claimed that a Deputy Director tried to persuade him to accept the agency’s narrative during questioning.