Chandigarh: Malout-based businessman Vikas Goyal, who is facing investigation in the Rs 13 lakh bribery case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, after his health reportedly deteriorated suddenly.
Vikas Goyal, his son Raghav Goyal and driver Ankit Wadhwa are currently in judicial custody in connection with the bribery case. Sources said Vikas Goyal is suffering from multiple health complications.
The exact reasons behind the sudden deterioration in his health could not be immediately confirmed. However, he attended the CBI court hearing virtually from the hospital on Wednesday.
The case relates to a May 11 CBI trap operation in which Vikas Goyal, Raghav Goyal and driver Ankit Wadhwa were allegedly caught accepting Rs 13 lakh in cash and a Samsung mobile phone as bribe from a tax official in Malout. Investigators have alleged that the father-son duo acted as middlemen linked to the Punjab Vigilance Bureau.
The development comes amid several similar instances in recent years where high-profile accused facing investigation by central and state agencies have cited medical issues during custody or questioning.
Earlier, suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, arrested by the CBI, had sought a mattress in jail during judicial custody in November 2025 citing severe back pain. Similarly, Mohali-based builder Ajay Sehgal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), also claimed health complications during court proceedings. His counsel had informed the Mohali court that Sehgal was suffering from certain ailments and required regular medication. The court subsequently directed the ED to ensure medical examination and treatment as recommended by government doctors.
Punjab Vigilance Bureau investigations have also witnessed several political leaders citing medical reasons during probes. Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s ex-media advisor Bharat Inder Singh Chahal had earlier cited heart-related problems while responding to vigilance summons. Former Revenue Minister Gurpreet Singh Kangar had sought more time citing knee surgery, while former minister OP Soni reportedly informed investigators that he was diabetic. Former minister Brahm Mohindra too had previously cited multiple health issues during vigilance investigations.
While such medical claims may be genuine in several cases, repeated instances involving influential accused persons have also led to public scepticism surrounding health-related pleas during investigations.
