Chandigarh: Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the fourth time on Monday and was questioned for several hours at the agency's Sector 30 office in Chandigarh. The CBI has summoned Ghuman again on October 27 for further questioning.
Source: Punjab E News
After appearing before the agency, Ghuman alleged that the CBI was acting under pressure from political leaders based in Delhi, claiming this was why he was being repeatedly called for questioning. He accused central investigative agencies of being used as political tools, saying they were established to deliver justice to the public. These are Ghuman's allegations, made by him after the questioning; the CBI has not responded to them in the reporting available so far.
Source: Punjab E News
How the case reached the CBI
The questioning is part of a case the CBI registered against Ghuman and others over alleged corruption and misuse of influence to secure transfers, obtain contracts and shape government policies in their favour. According to a CBI spokesperson's statement reported by PTI, the FIR names six persons, including Ghuman, and alleges that postings of officers, including IAS and IPS officers, departmental proceedings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing matters and land-related issues were influenced in lieu of pecuniary benefits. All of these are allegations under investigation; none has been established in court.
Source: PTI via Swadesi News
The case reached the central agency after the Punjab and Haryana High Court, on October 5, directed the CBI to examine the corruption allegations and submit its findings within two months, and instructed Punjab Police to extend full cooperation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also registered a money-laundering case linked to the same allegations, PTI reported.
Source: Y Media Plus / PTI via The News Dose
Ghuman had earlier appeared before investigators on October 16, when he was questioned for nearly six hours and said he had answered about 40 questions. The Punjab government challenged the High Court's order before the Supreme Court, which directed the CBI not to take coercive action against Ghuman but declined to suspend the FIR or halt the investigation, requiring him to continue cooperating with investigators.
Source: Y Media Plus