CBI searches properties in Punjab corruption probe involving chief minister aide

The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted searches at eight locations in Chandigarh and other areas as part of a corruption probe involving the officer on special duty to the Punjab chief minister, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, and five others.

Charges And Seizures

Officers seized laptops, mobile phones and documents during the searches at premises connected to the accused. The first information report names Ghuman, Nitin Gohal, Jitin Gohal alias Raja, Romi Raja Mahajan, Bir Devinder, RS Nagra, and unknown public and private persons. The agency stated that the accused allegedly influenced and manipulated officer postings including IAS and IPS officers, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing, land-use conversion, and property disputes in exchange for bribes. Officials also allegedly shared drafts of government orders with private persons before official release.

Court Orders And Legal Steps

The case stems from Enforcement Directorate allegations of high-level corruption in the Punjab government. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the CBI probe following a public interest litigation filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf. The High Court specifically noted that Ghuman was not included in the Punjab Police preliminary inquiry despite being named in Enforcement Directorate material. The Punjab government has appealed the High Court order in the Supreme Court, while the central agency continues its investigation.

Context

High-level corruption investigations involving government officials typically rely on financial records, digital devices and witness statements gathered through coordinated agency raids. Courts sometimes transfer sensitive state-level inquiries to central agencies like the CBI to ensure independent oversight when serious administrative irregularities are alleged.