Punjab Corruption Case: Bajwa Welcomes HC Order for CBI Probe

Bajwa said he expected the Central Bureau of Investigation to conduct a fair, impartial and time-bound inquiry and called for those found responsible for wrongdoing to face legal action regardless of their position.

"I welcome the Hon'ble High Court's decision and hope the CBI conducts a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation. Those who looted Punjab's exchequer must be booked and punished, irrespective of how powerful they are," Bajwa said in a post on X.

The High Court has directed the CBI to investigate the matter and submit its report within two months.

The ED had written three letters to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav alleging that Rajbir Singh Ghuman, OSD to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his associates Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder, were involved in corruption.

According to the allegations cited by the ED, the individuals were interfering in administrative transfers and postings as well as government tender processes. The agency had sought registration of an FIR in the matter.

After the Punjab Police did not register a case based on the ED's communication, advocate Nikhil Saraf filed a public interest litigation before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a CBI investigation.

Saraf's petition alleged that the ED's letters contained serious allegations involving people linked to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office.

The petitioner argued that the matter should be investigated by the CBI to ensure an independent inquiry free from the influence of the Punjab Police and Punjab Vigilance.

The petition also sought a detailed investigation into the alleged money trail and strict action against anyone found guilty.

The High Court's order comes amid allegations and counter-allegations over the contents of the ED's communications and the handling of the matter by the state authorities.