Archive · 8 Oct 2026
CBI Summons Punjab Chief Minister’s Aide in Corruption Probe
The CBI is investigating claims that people took money to influence decisions in Punjab’s government.
It has asked Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an aide to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to answer questions.
The case followed information gathered by the Enforcement Directorate and an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Investigators searched eight places and took phones, laptops and papers to examine.
The claims involve things such as government postings, contracts, licences and land matters.
Ghuman has denied the allegations, and the claims have not been proved in court.
Punjab’s government says the investigation is politically motivated and has challenged the order in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court did not hear the state’s request for an urgent hearing on Tuesday.
The CBI summoned Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, for questioning in Chandigarh.
The agency registered an FIR after a Punjab and Haryana High Court order and searched eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh.
The investigation concerns allegations that Ghuman and associates sought financial benefits to influence government decisions and administrative matters.
The Enforcement Directorate cited WhatsApp chats, call records, documents and ledgers in its material; the allegations remain under investigation.
Punjab has challenged the High Court-ordered probe in the Supreme Court, which did not take up its request for an immediate hearing on Tuesday.
- Who
- The CBI summoned Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann; the case concerns him and associates.
- What
- The CBI is investigating alleged corruption and influence over government decisions in exchange for financial benefits.
- When
- The CBI registered its FIR on October 5; searches were conducted Tuesday, and Ghuman was asked to appear Wednesday.
- Where
- The searches took place at eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh; Ghuman was summoned to the CBI office in Chandigarh.
- Why
- The probe concerns allegations of bribes and influence over postings, tenders, approvals, licensing, land matters and other government decisions.
Punjab Government’s Position
Probe and Court Order
Purpose of the investigation
Punjab Government’s Position
Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP-led central government of using investigating agencies against his government ahead of the next Punjab Assembly elections.
Probe and Court Order
The CBI probe followed a Punjab and Haryana High Court order based on material and allegations communicated by the Enforcement Directorate.
Challenge to the probe
Punjab Government’s Position
Punjab has challenged the High Court order in the Supreme Court and sought intervention.
Probe and Court Order
The High Court directed the CBI to investigate and report within two months; the Supreme Court did not take up Punjab’s request for an immediate hearing on Tuesday.
Allegations against Ghuman
Punjab Government’s Position
Ghuman denied the charges, saying Nitin Gohal was an old friend.
Probe and Court Order
The ED alleged that Gohal used access to Ghuman to seek influence over government matters; the allegations remain under investigation.
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Summoned
- Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
- FIR date
- October 5
- Searches
- Eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh
- Seized items
- Laptops, mobile phones and documents
- High Court direction
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered a CBI probe and asked the agency to submit a report within two months.
- Alleged offences
- The FIR cites criminal conspiracy and cheating provisions under the IPC and BNS.
- Status
- The allegations have not been proved in court; the investigation is continuing.
