1 hr ago
High Court Orders CBI Probe Into Punjab Corruption Allegations
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the CBI to investigate corruption allegations raised by the Enforcement Directorate.
The allegations involve Rajbir Singh Ghumman, an aide to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and others.
The ED said a private person named Nitin Gohal may have acted as a go-between for people seeking government favours.
Opposition leaders say the case raises questions about the state government and want those responsible held accountable.
AAP leader Baltej Pannu says the central government is targeting Punjab's government.
The court directed the CBI to submit a report within two months, according to SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
The case has become a political dispute as parties debate corruption and the probe.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court handed the investigation into ED corruption allegations to the CBI.
The allegations involve Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghumman and others.
The ED alleged that Nitin Gohal acted as an intermediary for people seeking government favours.
Congress, BJP and SAD leaders called for accountability and criticized the Mann government.
AAP's Baltej Pannu said the probe was part of a central effort to target Punjab's government.
- Who
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court, CBI, ED, and people named in the allegations, including Rajbir Singh Ghumman and Nitin Gohal.
- What
- The High Court handed the investigation into ED corruption allegations to the CBI.
- Where
- Punjab; the case is before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- When
- The articles provide no date for the High Court's decision; SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said the CBI must report within two months.
- Why
- The ED's investigation concerns alleged irregularities in land-use permissions and government dealings, including alleged influence over government decisions.
Opposition leaders
AAP response
Meaning of the CBI probe
Opposition leaders
Congress, BJP and SAD leaders said the allegations and court-ordered investigation raise serious questions about the state administration and require accountability.
AAP response
AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu said the Punjab government was being targeted by the Centre because its public facilities could bring political benefit.
Government's anti-corruption record
Opposition leaders
Opposition leaders argued the allegations conflict with AAP's promises to fight corruption and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
AAP response
Pannu defended the Punjab government, saying it continues providing facilities from its own funds despite the Centre withholding Punjab's funds.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Referring court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Original probe agency
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Named official
- Rajbir Singh Ghumman, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Officer on Special Duty
- Private individual questioned
- Nitin Gohal
- Reported deadline
- Bikram Singh Majithia said the CBI was directed to submit a report within two months.
- Political responses
- Congress, BJP and SAD leaders demanded accountability; AAP's Baltej Pannu said Punjab's government was being targeted.
Quotes
Ravneet Singh Bittu
BJP leader
“The Central government does not want the people of Punjab to receive the facilities being provided by the Punjab government. Whether it is free electricity, canal water, cashless healthcare, or financial assistance being transferred into women's accounts, the Centre has withheld Punjab's funds. Despite this, the Punjab government is providing various facilities to the people from its own funds. The Central government believes that as long as these facilities continue to reach the people, it will”
NDTV
“I welcome the Hon'ble High Court's decision in the corruption case linked to the Chief Minister's Office. The investigation must now be fair, impartial, transparent and time-bound-with no delay, political pressure or attempt to dilute it. Everyone responsible for causing loss to Punjab's exchequer must be held accountable, regardless of how powerful or influential they may be.”
NDTV
Sources
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