17 hrs ago
ED Says Punjab Police Failed To Register Transfer Racket FIR
The Enforcement Directorate says it warned Punjab authorities about an alleged illegal system involving government transfers and postings.
It says it sent seven letters, reports and other documents.
The agency also asked police to register a criminal case.
Punjab Police later asked the agency for more information.
The ED says police did not tell it that an FIR had been registered.
The agency then sent more documents, including a recorded statement and a certificate.
The matter is now before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The ED wants the court to ensure that the investigation is fair and independent.
The Enforcement Directorate told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it sent seven communications to Punjab authorities about an alleged transfer-and-posting racket.
The ED alleges Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an OSD to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, led the alleged racket involving transfers and postings of officials.
The agency sought an FIR against Nitin Gohal and others for allegedly using influence to interfere with government functioning.
Punjab Police requested additional information from the ED, but the agency said it received no intimation that an FIR had been registered.
The ED asked the High Court to ensure a free, fair and impartial investigation ahead of the September 3 hearing.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, Punjab Police, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Nitin Gohal and other alleged participants are involved in the proceedings.
- What
- The ED has told the High Court that Punjab authorities did not inform it of an FIR after receiving communications about an alleged transfer-and-posting racket.
- Where
- The matter is before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and concerns alleged activity in Punjab.
- When
- The communications were sent between July 30 and September 1; the next scheduled hearing is September 3.
- Why
- The ED is seeking court directions for a free, fair and impartial investigation into alleged corruption involving transfers, postings and other government dealings.
Enforcement Directorate's Position
Punjab Police And Authorities' Position
Whether an FIR was registered
Enforcement Directorate's Position
The ED says it sought registration of an FIR and received no intimation that one had been registered.
Punjab Police And Authorities' Position
Punjab Police sought additional information from the ED, but the articles do not state that police confirmed or denied registering an FIR.
Information required for investigation
Enforcement Directorate's Position
The ED says Punjab Police requested information that is generally sought after an FIR is registered, while no FIR-registration notice was provided.
Punjab Police And Authorities' Position
Punjab Police asked the ED for further information and documents from the agency regarding the allegations.
Investigation safeguards
Enforcement Directorate's Position
The ED wants the High Court to issue directions for a free, fair and impartial investigation.
Punjab Police And Authorities' Position
The articles do not report a separate position from Punjab authorities on the ED's request for court-monitored safeguards.
Key facts
- Agency filing
- The Enforcement Directorate filed a detailed reply before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- Communications
- The ED placed seven letters, reports, reminders and supporting documents on record.
- First communication
- The agency sent a July 30 letter under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
- Alleged racket
- The allegations concern government transfers, postings and other dealings, including claims involving IAS and IPS officers.
- Police response
- The Punjab Bureau of Investigation sought further information from the ED in a letter dated August 28.
- FIR status
- The ED said it received no intimation that an FIR had been registered.
- Requested action
- The ED asked the High Court to direct a free, fair and impartial investigation.
Sources
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