Chandigarh: Punjab’s bureaucracy faces growing scrutiny as the CBI and ED investigate alleged corruption and illegal mining.
What Is the CBI Investigating?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought extensive government records in connection with allegations of payments for official transfers, postings, tenders and favourable policy decisions. The investigation involves alleged corruption linked to Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and five others.
The Punjab Government has appointed Gautam Jain, Special Secretary (Personnel), as nodal officer to coordinate the transfer of documents. The CBI has reportedly requested original note sheets, draft files and other records from 15 departments, along with transfer and posting details concerning 22 officers.
Departments under scrutiny include Home Affairs, Revenue, Food and Supplies, Local Government, Housing, Personnel, Power, Health and Rural Development, among others.
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Why Is Illegal Mining Being Investigated?
In a separate case, the CBI is investigating alleged illegal mining in the Talwara and Mukerian areas of Hoshiarpur district following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Investigators have inspected locations associated with suspected illegal excavation and stone-crushing activities.
The inquiry will examine possible environmental damage and whether officials responsible for preventing illegal mining failed to discharge their duties.
What Action Has the ED Taken?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Ghuman over allegations of corruption and influence-peddling involving individuals connected with the Chief Minister’s Office. The Punjab Government challenged the High Court’s directions before the Supreme Court.
On October 12, the Supreme Court issued notice to the CBI but declined to stay the investigation. It also directed that no coercive steps be taken against Ghuman while the matter remains pending.
How Many Officials Are Under Scrutiny?
Approximately 50 IAS, IPS, PCS and PPS officers, engineers and other officials are estimated to be under scrutiny across the investigations. However, the CBI’s request for records concerning 22 officers does not establish wrongdoing by those individuals.
The investigations have also prompted political disagreement. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other AAP leaders have accused central agencies of acting for political purposes ahead of elections. The allegations remain under investigation, and individual responsibility has yet to be established.
The widening investigations place administrative decisions, government records and enforcement practices under examination. Their significance will ultimately depend on whether investigators establish specific wrongdoing through evidence rather than treating the inclusion of officials in an inquiry as proof of guilt.
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