CBI Probe Ordered Into Corruption Allegations Against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Aides

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe allegations of corruption and official interference involving people linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office.

The court has asked the agency to submit its report within two months. The order came while hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, who had sought an independent investigation into allegations raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

ED Flagged Alleged Transfer-Posting Racket

The ED had written to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, seeking registration of a criminal case against Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajbir Singh Ghuman and alleged associates Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder.

According to the allegations cited before the court, the individuals were allegedly involved in influencing the transfer and posting of government officials and interfering with administrative decisions and tender-related processes.

The ED also flagged material that allegedly indicated attempts to influence official postings, obtain confidential government documents and interfere with administrative approvals.

The allegations are yet to be established and will now be examined as part of the CBI investigation.

PIL Sought Probe Outside Punjab Agencies

The petitioner argued that the allegations raised serious questions about the functioning of the state administration and warranted an investigation by an agency independent of the Punjab Police and state Vigilance Bureau.

The petition also sought scrutiny of alleged financial transactions and the possible money trail linked to the accusations.

The matter came to the fore after the ED communicated its concerns to the state authorities. The agency had also raised questions over the lack of a criminal case based on the material it had shared.

Bhagwant Mann Rejects Allegations

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of using central investigative agencies for political purposes.

Mann had dismissed the ED communication as politically motivated and maintained that the allegations against his office and associates were baseless. He also said he did not require a “certificate of honesty” from those who had allegedly “looted” Punjab.

CBI Now to Examine the Allegations

With the High Court transferring the matter to the CBI, the central agency will examine the material cited by the ED and the allegations raised in the petition.

The CBI has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a report to the court within two months. The probe is expected to determine whether the allegations disclose any criminal wrongdoing and whether further action is warranted.