Punjab HC Orders CBI Probe Into Corruption Allegations Involving Bhagwant Mann’s Aides

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

The court has also asked the CBI to submit its report within two months. The order follows a PIL filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, who sought an independent probe into allegations raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

ED Allegations Under Scrutiny

The ED had written to Punjab Director General of Police 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 agency, the individuals were allegedly involved in influencing government transfers and postings and interfering with administrative and tender-related processes.

The ED also referred to material that it said indicated attempts to influence official postings, gain access to confidential government documents and affect administrative approvals. The allegations have not been established in court.

PIL Sought Independent Investigation

Saraf’s petition argued that the allegations warranted a probe by an agency independent of the Punjab Police and the state Vigilance Bureau.

The petitioner sought a wider investigation into the alleged financial transactions and money trail and requested action against anyone found to have committed offences.

The case came before the High Court after the ED raised concerns over the lack of an FIR despite its communications to Punjab Police. The agency had previously placed multiple letters and related documents before the court concerning its allegations.

What Bhagwant Mann Said

Mann had rejected the allegations last month, describing the ED communication to the DGP as politically motivated.

He accused the BJP of using central investigative agencies to target political opponents and said there was no truth in the allegations.

“This is what they do. They make up cases. There is no truth in it,” Mann had said, adding that he did not need a certificate of honesty from those who had allegedly “looted Punjab”.

The CBI probe will now examine the allegations and material placed before the court, with the agency directed to submit its findings within two months.