CHANDIGARH — The Central Bureau of Investigation has stepped up its inquiry into allegations of corruption involving official postings, administrative approvals, and tender allocations in Punjab, questioning former Deputy Speaker Bir Devinder Singh for over seven hours. The federal agency initiated the proceedings following an order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, naming six individuals in a First Information Report that also includes Rajbir Singh Ghumman, Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Investigators are currently reviewing seized digital evidence, chat transcripts, and departmental files to establish whether external influence dictated key government decisions.
Marathon Questioning of Former Deputy Speaker
Investigators questioned Bir Devinder Singh from 11:30 am in a session that spanned more than seven hours, putting between 60 and 70 questions to him regarding his alleged role in the matter. Speaking after leaving the agency’s office, the former legislator stated that he answered every query thoroughly, cooperated with officials, and retained full confidence in the judicial process. He also acknowledged that investigators might call him in for further rounds of examination as the probe advances.
The agency’s case lists six individuals: Bir Devinder Singh, Rajbir Singh Ghumman, Nitin Goyal, Jitin Goyal alias Raja, Romi Raja Mahajan, and businessman Rajdeep Singh Nagra, alongside other unidentified officials. The investigation originated after the Enforcement Directorate flagged digital records and chat histories to senior Punjab Police officers, suggesting systematic interference in state administrative processes, appointments, and contracts.
Chief Minister’s Aide Summoned for Second Round
Rajbir Singh Ghumman, the Chief Minister’s OSD, was recalled for further questioning after an initial session in which officials reportedly posed around 40 questions. Investigators are assessing his role in alleged transactions tied to bureaucratic postings and policy determinations. The CBI has formally requisitioned files from several state government departments to verify if financial considerations or unauthorized pressure altered official administrative outcomes.
Agency officials emphasize that interrogation forms part of the evidentiary verification process and does not by itself establish guilt. The allegations of undue interference and administrative misconduct remain subjects of an ongoing investigation that has yet to be adjudicated in court.
Legal Challenge Reaches the Supreme Court
The Punjab government challenged the High Court’s October 5 directive ordering the CBI investigation before the Supreme Court. On October 12, the apex court declined to stay the ongoing inquiry or quash the FIR, while ordering that no coercive measures be taken against Ghumman during the pendency of the matter. The court directed state authorities to cooperate fully with federal investigators.
The CBI continues to scrutinize government records and communication logs to clarify the specific actions of each named individual. Legal outcomes for the six named accused will depend on the final evidence submitted before the judiciary as proceedings continue.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
