From ED raids to CBI probe: The Full story of the case around CM Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman
PTC Web Desk: The CBI has stepped into one of the biggest controversies facing the Punjab Government. The case concerns allegations that middlemen close to the Chief Minister's office influenced official postings, tenders and approvals.
On Tuesday evening, the CBI carried out raids at two homes linked to Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. One team reached the Phase 11, Mohali house of his brother, Gurkirpal Singh Thind. Another team is searching Ghuman's own residence in Gharachon, Sangrur. As per information, a third CBI team is also present at the Chief Minister's office in Sector 2, Chandigarh. Here is how it reached this point.
Also Read | CBI raids homes of CM Mann's OSD Rajbir Ghuman in Sangrur and his brother in Mohali; team also at CM office
It began with ED letters to the DGP
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) wrote to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav in July and August 2026, asking the police to register an FIR. It said its inquiry had turned up signs of interference in transfers and postings, government tenders, policy decisions and land-use changes.
The ED named Nitin Gohal, real estate businessman Ajay Sehgal, Suresh Kumar Bajaj and others. It also pointed to contacts linked to Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. According to the agency, some of these people acted as middlemen to get official decisions made in their favour.
What the ED says it found
The ED says chats and other material recovered during its probe show discussions about posting and transferring officers and filling government posts. It also alleges attempts to influence Markfed tenders, licences and other approvals.
The agency has said the allegations disclose offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, as well as criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery.
The May searches
In May 2026, the ED searched premises linked to Gohal, Sehgal and others. The agency says it recovered documents and digital material, and claims about Rs 1 crore in cash was seized. WhatsApp chats and call records from mobile phones are now part of its case.
The land angle
The matter is tied to a change of land use (CLU) and money laundering investigation. The ED's action grew out of its probe into the Suntec City project, which is valued at around Rs 348 crore. The agency alleges that attempts were made, through government officials, to secure land-use changes and other clearances for certain real estate entities.
Why the High Court got involved
After the ED's letters, the Punjab Police did not register an FIR. It asked the Bureau of Investigation for a legal opinion instead. The ED wrote again. In September, it told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it had sent the police several letters and still no case had been registered.
The High Court had asked the state government for its reply in August, calling the allegations serious. It reserved its verdict in September, and on October 5 it ordered a CBI investigation.
Does the CBI need Punjab's permission?
Normally, yes. Punjab withdrew its general consent for the CBI on November 6, 2020, when Captain Amarinder Singh's Congress government was in power. The decision was taken under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. Since then, the CBI has usually needed the state's approval case by case.
This case is different. When a High Court or the Supreme Court orders a probe, the CBI can investigate without the state's consent. The High Court has also told the Punjab Government and police to cooperate with the agency.
- PTC NEWS
