Searches conducted at eight locations across Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and Jalandhar

Chandigarh, 06 October (H.S.): The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered an FIR against Punjab Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty Rajbir Ghuman and five others following directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a report received from the Enforcement Directorate.

According to the CBI, the case relates to allegations of corruption involving the alleged influencing and manipulation of postings of government officers, including IAS and IPS officers, departmental proceedings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing matters, land-use conversion, property disputes, and revenue and land-related issues in exchange for alleged pecuniary benefits.

The CBI 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 in the FIR. The agency has also named unknown public servants and private persons in connection with the case.

The investigating agency has alleged that certain public servants involved in the matter purportedly accessed and provided drafts of government orders and policies to private persons before their official issuance by the government.

Following registration of the FIR, the CBI conducted coordinated searches at eight locations linked to the accused persons. The searches were carried out across Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and Jalandhar.

During the searches, the agency seized laptops, mobile phones and various documents. The CBI said the seized material is being scrutinised for evidence relating to alleged bribery, corruption and other improprieties.

The searches were conducted as part of the investigation initiated pursuant to the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the report received from the ED.

The CBI said further investigation in the case is currently underway. The agency added that it remains committed to investigating allegations of corruption and taking action against those found involved in bribery and other unlawful activities in accordance with law.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH