Bhagwant Mann OSD Rajbir Ghuman case: Why CBI lodged FIR in Delhi, not in Punjab; check FIR copy with WhatsApp chats
PTC Web Desk: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered its FIR in the Punjab corruption case involving CM Bhagwant Mann OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman in New Delhi, not in Punjab. Apart from Rajbir Singh Ghuman, the FIR names five others.
The FIR, numbered RC 2202026 E 0013, was filed at the EO-2 police station in New Delhi. The probe has been handed to KL Moses, Assistant Superintendent of Police, CBI, New Delhi.
Also Read | CBI books CM Mann's OSD Rajbir Ghuman and 5 others, searches 8 locations across Punjab and Chandigarh | Who have been named?
Why Delhi matters
The case was registered in the capital, and sources said no officer from Punjab or Chandigarh was included in the CBI teams that carried out Tuesday's raids. The Punjab and Haryana High Court handed the investigation to the CBI on October 5, after questions were raised about the Punjab Police probe. Soon after the order, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) emailed the CBI copies of its letters to the Punjab DGP, along with the court order. The CBI registered the FIR at 11:49 pm that night.
The complainant is Akshay Kumar, Assistant Director at the ED. The FIR is based on information the agency shared under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation covers the period from 2023 to 2026. The FIR alleges irregularities in the transfer and posting of officials, interference in policy decisions and corruption in tenders and arms licences. It also mentions alleged kickbacks, government approvals and access to confidential official information.
According to the ED, Nitin Gohal allegedly took requests for transfers and postings and used his access to government officials to get work done. The agency cited 21 transfer-posting cases and several WhatsApp chats, and referred to a cash recovery of Rs 20.98 lakh.
Besides Ghuman, the FIR names Nitin Gohal, Jitin Gohal alias Raja, Romi Raja Mahajan, Bir Devinder and RS Nagra. Unidentified government and private officials are also named.
Raids across Punjab
The CBI began searches after about 5 pm on Tuesday. Locations included the Chief Minister's camp office in Chandigarh, as well as Sangrur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Gurdaspur.
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.
CHECK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE FIR WITH WHATSAPP CHATS BETWEEN ACCUSED
- PTC NEWS
