CBI Probe Ordered
Punjab and Haryana High Court Orders CBI Probe Into Corruption Allegations Involving Chief Minister Office
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Key Points
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The ED told the High Court that its evidence included WhatsApp conversations and other electronic material, and alleged that draft transfer lists, policy documents and classified government files had been leaked or manipulated.
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The ED alleged that the intermediaries collected proceeds worth crores in cash, land and other forms of consideration; the claims have yet to be established through investigation or trial.
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The petitioner sought a detailed investigation into the money trail and argued that a CBI probe would be more independent of Punjab Police and the state’s vigilance agency.
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The Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Punjab, accused the central government of using the ED to defame the state government.
Punjab's High Court ordered the CBI to investigate corruption allegations against people linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's office, citing evidence of bribery and interference in government decisions. Asian Net News reported that the court gave the agency two months to complete its investigation and file a report, citing potential bias in relying on Punjab Police.
The Enforcement Directorate alleged that intermediaries collected payments worth crores in cash and land to secure favorable transfers, tender awards, and access to confidential documents. ABP Live noted the ED submitted a 200-page report detailing the allegations, though the court emphasized these claims remain unproven pending investigation.
The ED's Core Allegations Against CM's Office
The Enforcement Directorate focused its charges on Rajbir Singh Ghuman, the Chief Minister's Officer on Special Duty, and alleged intermediaries like Nitin Gohal. Republic World reported that these figures allegedly accepted bribes to influence transfers, postings, and government contracts, while providing access to classified files and draft policy documents.
Evidence presented by the ED included WhatsApp conversations and electronic records showing leaked transfer lists and manipulated policy documents. ABP Live reported the ED claimed intermediaries collected proceeds in multiple forms—cash, land, and other assets—though exact amounts and details await CBI verification.
Why the Court Chose CBI Over Local Authorities
Advocate Nikhil Saraf filed a public-interest petition arguing that Punjab Police ignored multiple Enforcement Directorate letters demanding an FIR be filed. Baba Shahi reported the court agreed, deciding that CBI oversight would ensure independence from state and local police influence.
The court directed Punjab state and its police force to cooperate fully with the CBI investigation. The two-month timeline signals urgency—the court wants answers before moving to formal criminal proceedings.
AAP Defends Against Central Government Pressure
The Aam Aadmi Party, which governs Punjab, framed the court order as political weaponization. The party accused the central government of deploying the Enforcement Directorate to damage Punjab's reputation and embarrass AAP ahead of future elections.
Baba Shahi quoted AAP's Aman Arora saying the party respects the court's authority while implying the central agencies face political pressure to target opposition-ruled states. The party has not directly responded to the specific allegations about Mann's office.
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