Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against individuals linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office and submit its report within two months.
The order was passed on a public interest litigation filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, who sought an independent investigation into allegations contained in an ED communication to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
The ED had sought registration of a criminal case against Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajbir Singh Ghuman and his alleged associates Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder. According to the agency’s communication, the three allegedly interfered in the transfer and posting of government officials, government work and tender processes.
The ED also referred to material purportedly indicating attempts to influence postings, access confidential government documents and interfere with administrative approvals and other official processes.
The petitioner sought a comprehensive probe, including into alleged financial transactions and the money trail, arguing that the allegations involved individuals connected with the Chief Minister’s Office and therefore required investigation by an agency independent of the state government.
Mann had earlier rejected the allegations, describing the ED communication as the BJP’s handiwork and accusing central agencies of being misused to target political opponents. He said there was “no truth” in the allegations.
