Full Breakdown
CBI Probe into Alleged Corruption in Punjab Chief Minister’s Office
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 5 2026 the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a case and investigate corruption allegations linked to the office of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The court acted on material supplied by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that alleged a “cash-for-transfers” network involving the chief minister’s Officer on Special Duty Rajbir Singh Ghuman. The CBI filed a First Information Report on October 6 2026 and searched eight sites, including Mann’s camp office (House No. 50, Sector 2, Chandigarh) and Ghuman’s residence in Gharachon, Sangrur, seizing electronic devices and documents.
Background & Context
The ED sent three letters to Punjab Director-General of Police Gaurav Yadav (July 24, July 31, August 7 2026) alleging that Ghuman, intermediary Nitin Gohal, and others influenced transfers of senior IAS/IPS officers, altered policy drafts, and facilitated licences for pecuniary gain. After the Punjab Police declined to register a case, advocate Nikhil Saraf filed a public-interest litigation. The High Court found the ED’s material “prima facie” indicated cognizable offences and directed the CBI to take over.
Data & Statistics
The FIR names six accused:
1. Rajbir Singh Ghuman – OSD to the chief minister
2. Nitin Gohal – alleged middleman
3. Jitin Gohal alias Raja – brother of Nitin Gohal
4. Romi Raja Mahajan – former deputy medical commissioner
5. Bir Devinder – AAP youth leader
6. R S Nagra – rice-sheller businessman
The ED dossier cites 21 compromised transfers, 11 policy-change requests, and a 200-page affidavit detailing alleged cash, land and other benefits.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rajbir Singh Ghuman – petitioned that the CBI search violated Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act because prior government approval was not obtained.
- Vikas Singh, senior advocate for the state – argued the High Court order “breaches the federal structure” and lacks sufficient material.
- CBI – said the FIR will examine alleged manipulation of IAS/IPS postings, policy formulation, tender conditions, licensing, land-use conversions and receipt of pecuniary benefits.
Criticism & Opposition
- Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi (BJP) – questioned why the AAP government did not act on the ED letters and demanded an explanation for the High Court’s intervention.
- Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress) – said a “truly honest” government would not need an independent agency and called for Mann’s resignation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Legality of the search – Ghuman maintains the CBI acted without statutory sanction under Section 17A; the CBI argues the High Court order provided lawful authority. No court ruling on this point is yet available.
- Sufficiency of evidence – The High Court deemed the ED’s material sufficient for investigation, while the Punjab government argues it does not establish a cognizable offence.
What’s Next
The Punjab government filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court. The Court scheduled a hearing for October 12 2026 and, after an adjournment on October 8 2026, listed the matter for further consideration on October 9 2026. The outcome will determine whether the CBI investigation proceeds or the High Court’s directive is stayed.