CHANDIGARH, OCT 6: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against Punjab Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajbir Ghuman and five others following directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a report received from the Enforcement Directorate, launching an investigation into alleged corruption, influence-peddling and manipulation of administrative processes.
The case concerns allegations that the accused persons influenced and manipulated postings of government officers, including IAS and IPS officers, departmental proceedings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing matters, land-use conversion and property, revenue and land-related disputes in exchange for alleged pecuniary benefits.
According to the CBI, the allegations also include claims that certain public servants accessed and shared drafts of government orders and policies with private persons before their official issuance, raising questions about the alleged misuse of confidential government information and interference in administrative decision-making.
The agency has named Rajbir Ghuman, OSD to the Punjab Chief Minister; Nitin Gohal; Jitin Gohal alias Raja; Romi Raja Mahajan; Bir Devinder; and R.S. Nagra, besides unidentified public servants and private persons. The accused include two public servants as well as alleged middlemen and associates.
Following registration of the FIR, the CBI carried out a coordinated search operation at eight locations spread across Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and Jalandhar. The searches targeted premises linked to the accused and were aimed at securing documentary and electronic evidence relevant to the allegations.
During the searches, CBI teams seized laptops, mobile phones and various documents. The agency said the recovered material is being scrutinised for evidence relating to alleged bribery, improper influence and manipulation of official processes.
The investigation follows the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directions and the receipt of an ED report, giving the case a wider investigative dimension as the CBI examines the alleged nexus between public officials, intermediaries and private individuals.
The agency said the seized electronic devices and documents are being examined to establish the nature and extent of the alleged transactions, communications and administrative interference. The role of unidentified public servants and private persons named in the FIR will also be examined as the investigation progresses.
The CBI has maintained that the allegations are under investigation and that further action will follow on the basis of evidence gathered during the probe.
Further investigation in the case is in progress, the agency said, reiterating its commitment to pursuing cases involving alleged bribery and corruption and bringing those found responsible to justice in accordance with law.
