Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has claimed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) found nothing incriminating during its searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including his camp office.
Reacting to the raids, Mann said there was nothing illegal or suspicious to show against his government and suggested that the outcome amounted to a “clean chit”. However, the CBI has said laptops, mobile phones and documents were seized during the searches and are being examined as part of its ongoing investigation.
What Did Bhagwant Mann Say About The CBI Raid?
Mann questioned what the CBI had found during the searches and maintained that the agency had not recovered anything incriminating.
He also alleged that the action was politically motivated and linked to preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Mann has accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to target his government, a claim the BJP and investigating agencies have not accepted.
Why Did The CBI Raid Bhagwant Mann’s Camp Office?
The CBI searches were conducted on Tuesday at eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh in connection with a corruption case involving Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, and five others.
The agency registered an FIR following a Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing a CBI investigation into allegations involving postings, government policies, tenders, licensing and other administrative matters.
The allegations stemmed from material and communications linked to an Enforcement Directorate investigation. The CBI has said the probe concerns alleged influence over government decisions in exchange for pecuniary benefits.
What Did The CBI Seize During The Searches?
According to the CBI, investigators seized electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, along with documents from the locations searched.
The material is now being scrutinised for evidence related to the allegations. This means the investigation remains ongoing, and the searches themselves do not establish guilt against the accused.
Who Is Rajbir Singh Ghuman?
Rajbir Singh Ghuman is an OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He is among six people named in the CBI case.
The other accused named by the agency are Nitin Gohal, Jitin Gohal alias Raja, Romi Raja Mahajan, Bir Devinder and RS Nagra. The CBI is investigating allegations concerning the alleged manipulation of postings, tenders, policy matters and other government-related decisions.
What Is The Status Of The Punjab Government’s Challenge?
The Punjab government has challenged the High Court’s order directing the CBI probe in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the challenge, while the High Court had directed the CBI to investigate the allegations and submit a status report within two months.
For now, Mann’s claim that the searches yielded a “clean chit” represents his position. The CBI investigation continues, with the material seized during the raids under examination.
