The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted raids at five locations in connection with an alleged GST and export fraud worth Rs 157.12 crore, including the official residence of Punjab Power and Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in Chandigarh. This marks the third such raid on the minister.The development has triggered concern among Ludhiana’s industrial community. Many industrialists, citing Arora’s roots in the city and his contribution to the industrial sector, said such actions, if politically motivated, send negative signals about Punjab’s business environment.They added that such developments risk tarnishing the state’s image, particularly that of Ludhiana, which is regarded as a key industrial hub.Speaking to The Tribune, Pankaj Sharma, president of the Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (ATIU), said the prevailing political climate in Punjab was discouraging.“It creates a negative perception of the state. If this is a case of vindictive politics, it should be avoided. Our efforts to attract investment could be undermined if such impressions persist, especially when raids are conducted on a sitting Industries Minister,” he said.Another industrialist, requesting anonymity, said there was speculation that Arora might be taken into custody.“What message does this send? On one hand, the minister is working to bring investments to Punjab, even travelling abroad for the same. On the other, he is being targeted repeatedly within a short span. This kind of situation damages the state’s credibility,” he said.Avtar Singh Bhogal, another businessman, expressed concern over the state of politics in Punjab.“If there is evidence, action should be taken. But if such steps are driven by political motives or aimed at settling scores, they are unwarranted. Ultimately, Punjab will suffer due to such policies,” he added.