The Punjab and Haryana High Court has handed over to the CBI the investigation into allegations raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajbir Singh Ghumman and others.
The controversy stems from an ED investigation into alleged irregularities in land-use permissions and government dealings. This has triggered a fresh political confrontation, with opposition leaders accusing the Bhagwant Mann government of failing to deliver on its anti-corruption promise. Newly appointed Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh attacked the Mann government over the development, arguing that the CBI investigation has raised serious questions about the functioning of the state administration. “I welcome the Hon’ble High Court’s decision in the corruption case linked to the Chief Minister’s Office. The investigation must now be fair, impartial, transparent and time-bound-with no delay, political pressure or attempt to dilute it. “Aam Aadmi Party came to power promising to fight corruption and strengthen the Lokpal. If corruption has now reached from the MLA level to the Chief Minister’s Office, there must be complete accountability. Punjab’s exchequer belongs to its people.
Everyone responsible for causing loss to Punjab’s exchequer must be held accountable, regardless of how powerful or influential they may be,” Pargat Singh said. Every rupee must be accounted for,” said BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu.
“Despite repeated letters from the Enforcement Directorate regarding alleged corruption in the Chief Minister’s Office and residence, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has handed over the entire investigation to the CBI and directed it to submit a report within two months,” Majithia said.
