Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun examining official records in 15 cases relating to alleged irregularities in transfers and postings, policy decisions and tender allocations in Punjab.
A 29-member team is handling the investigation, with state government departments having supplied the records sought by the agency, according to reports.
The CBI has also involved private individuals who had earlier raised concerns or brought alleged irregularities to light.
The development follows the registration of a case on October 5 against Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an officer on special duty (OSD) to the Punjab chief minister, and five others: Nitin Gohal, Jitin Gohal, Romi Mahajan, Bir Devinder and R.S. Nagra.
The agency has sought files related to the appointments of Ghuman and Jitin Gohal in the chief minister’s office. Various state departments reportedly submitted the requested documents over the past two days.
The records under scrutiny include documents relating to the 2024 recruitment of Grade-A assistant town planners in Punjab’s local government department and the Escon Primera group housing project being developed by Malwa Project Private Limited in Chhat village, along Airport Road in Zirakpur. Files concerning Ghuman’s appointment as OSD and Jitin Gohal’s posting in the chief minister’s office are also being examined.
The CBI has additionally sought records relating to the renewal of licences for Mind Care Hospital in Sirhind in 2024, procurement carried out by Verka during 2024-25, and policies framed for grain transportation and labour charges for 2024 by the food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department.
Records concerning arms licences have also been requisitioned as part of the inquiry.
The examination of these files forms part of the wider investigation into the alleged irregularities. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the registration of a case does not establish guilt.
