The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at eight locations, including the camp office of Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the residence of his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, in Chandigarh, as part of a corruption probe.
The agency said incriminating material, including laptops, mobile phones and documents, was seized during the searches and is being scrutinised for evidence of alleged bribery and other improprieties. “ The CBI conducted extensive coordinated searches at 08 locations across Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and Jalandhar at premises connected with the accused persons,” CBI said.
The accused allegedly influenced and manipulated the postings of officers, including IAS and IPS officers, as well as departmental proceedings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing matters, land-use conversion, property disputes, and revenue and land-related issues in exchange for pecuniary benefits. Further investigation is in progress. The case pertains to the Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s allegations of high-level corruption in the Punjab government. The High Court, acting on a PIL filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, observed that the material placed before it disclosed cognizable offences and ordered a probe, directing the Punjab government and state police to assist the central agency. “The BJP has started preparing for the Punjab elections. A CBI raid was conducted at my camp office. Now, the ED and CBI will be misused in Punjab to defame the Punjab government and me.
The CBI said it registered the FIR to investigate allegations of corruption against Mann’s OSD and his associates. “Pursuant to the orders of the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court and receipt of report from ED, the CBI has registered an FIR to investigate the allegations of corruption against OSD to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) and his associates” The agency also alleged that the accused public servants accessed and provided drafts of government orders and policies to private persons before they were officially issued by the government. The BJP is rattled by the love and support I am receiving from the people,” he said.
Earlier reporting noted: The action comes a day after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the agency to register a case and probe allegations of corruption linked to the Chief Minister’s Office. Earlier reporting noted: Bhagwant Mann reacted to the CBI action in an X post. During a hearing on Monday, the Punjab and Haryana had ordered the CBI to probe the claims. Earlier reporting noted: CBI raids Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s camp office, his OSD’s home in Chandigarh The CBI on Tuesday conducted searches at the camp office of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the residence of his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman in Chandigarh.
