The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, to appear before the agency in Chandigarh in connection with a corruption case. The summons came a day after the CBI registered an FIR against Ghuman and several other persons. It was not immediately clear whether Ghuman would appear before the agency on Wednesday.
The development followed CBI searches conducted on Tuesday evening at eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh. The premises searched included Mann’s Camp Office, Ghuman’s residence and the residence of one of his associates, besides locations in Mohali, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Gurdaspur districts. The agency seized laptops, mobile phones and documents from premises linked to the persons named in the case.
The searches were carried out following an October 5 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the CBI to register a case and investigate information concerning alleged corruption and influence-peddling. The information had earlier been shared by the Enforcement Directorate with the Punjab Police. Besides Ghuman, the FIR names Nitin Gohal, Jitin Gohal alias Raja, Romi Raja Mahajan, Bir Devinder and R.S. Nagra.
Also Read: CBI Investigates Corruption Allegations In Punjab
The CBI is examining the electronic devices and documents seized during the searches for evidence related to allegations of bribery and other alleged improprieties. The raids covered the residences of the six persons named in the FIR, as well as premises of relatives of Ghuman. The case has also become a point of contention between the Punjab government and investigating agencies.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government is expected to present its challenge before the Supreme Court against the Punjab and Haryana High Court order. The matter was mentioned before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Tuesday, with the Bench agreeing to consider it on Wednesday or Thursday. The state government has maintained its position while seeking judicial relief against the High Court direction.
In a related development in Sangrur, Punjab Police suspended Station House Officer Yashpal Sharma for alleged negligence in duty and detained two people after some residents of Gharachon village reportedly welcomed the CBI team with flowers and distributed sweets during the search of Ghuman’s house. Sources said flower petals were also showered on a CBI vehicle. The incident reportedly involved some political workers linked to opposition parties and occurred ahead of Chief Minister Mann’s visit to Sangrur.
Also Read: Punjab Akali Dal Leader Shot Dead; Family Alleges Brother’s Involvement In Land Dispute