Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to expand its probe into the alleged bribery case linked to the Malout trio after fresh leads reportedly emerged during the investigation.
While the name of Punjab Vigilance Bureau chief Sharad Satya Chauhan has figured in the CBI’s FIR, no direct allegations against him have been made in the case so far. Meanwhile, Om Prakash Singh Rana, reader to the Vigilance Bureau chief, remains in police custody, with his remand scheduled to end on June 8.
According to sources, the CBI has obtained important clues during Rana’s interrogation that could potentially widen the scope of the investigation. Investigators reportedly recovered a mobile phone from the accused during the remand period.
The agency is examining the device for evidence related to alleged demands for bribes and possible criminal conspiracy among the accused. Preliminary findings are said to have revealed communications that may prove significant to the investigation.
Sources familiar with the matter claimed that chats involving one senior vigilance official have also come under scrutiny. However, investigators have not publicly disclosed details of the conversations or named any additional officials.
Following these developments, the CBI is expected to bring accused Raghav Goyal and Ankit Wadhwa, who are currently lodged in Chandigarh’s Model Jail, on production warrants for further questioning. The agency is likely to conduct a joint interrogation of Rana, Goyal and Wadhwa to verify the evidence collected so far.
Vikas Goyal, his son Raghav Goyal and Ankit Wadhwa are presently in judicial custody until June 20. The investigation is continuing, and officials have indicated that further action will depend on the outcome of ongoing questioning and analysis of electronic evidence.
