3 hrs ago
CBI Summons Punjab Chief Minister’s Aide After Corruption Raids
The CBI is investigating allegations of corruption involving Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an aide to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The agency searched eight places in Punjab and Chandigarh and took electronic devices and papers to examine.
It has now asked Ghuman to come for questioning.
The allegations involve claims that government decisions were influenced in return for money.
They have not been proved in court.
Punjab’s government says the CBI action is politically motivated and has challenged the investigation order.
The Supreme Court did not hear the state’s request for an immediate hearing on Tuesday.
The investigation and the court challenge are both continuing.
The CBI summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s OSD, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, for questioning in a corruption investigation.
The summons followed searches at eight locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, where investigators seized electronic devices and documents.
The probe concerns allegations of influence over government postings, tenders and other administrative matters in exchange for financial benefits.
The allegations are unproven, and the investigation is ongoing.
Punjab has challenged the High Court-ordered CBI investigation in the Supreme Court, which did not hear its request for immediate consideration on Tuesday.
- Who
- The CBI has summoned Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
- What
- Ghuman was called for questioning as part of a corruption investigation following searches at eight locations.
- Where
- The searches covered locations in Punjab and Chandigarh; Ghuman was asked to appear before the CBI in Chandigarh.
- When
- The searches took place Tuesday; Ghuman was asked to appear Wednesday.
- Why
- The investigation concerns allegations of corruption and influence over government and administrative decisions in return for financial benefits.
Punjab Government’s Position
Basis for the Investigation
Purpose of the CBI action
Punjab Government’s Position
Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP-led central government of using investigating agencies against his government ahead of Punjab’s next Assembly elections.
Basis for the Investigation
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered a CBI probe into allegations brought before authorities by the Enforcement Directorate; the CBI is investigating those allegations.
Court challenge
Punjab Government’s Position
Punjab has challenged the High Court order and sought intervention from the Supreme Court.
Basis for the Investigation
The High Court directed the CBI to investigate and submit a report within two months; the Supreme Court did not take up Punjab’s plea for an immediate hearing on Tuesday.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Person summoned
- Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Officer on Special Duty
- Searches
- Eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh
- Items seized
- Laptops, mobile phones and documents
- Court order
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the CBI to investigate and submit a report within two months.
- Supreme Court
- It did not take up Punjab’s request for an immediate hearing on Tuesday.
- Status
- The allegations have not been proved in court; the investigation is continuing.
Quotes
Bhagwant Mann
Chief Minister of Punjab
“The BJP has started preparing for the Punjab elections.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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