Punjab CM’s OSD Rajbir Ghuman Appears Before CBI for Third Round of Questioning

Chandigarh: In a significant development concerning the ongoing investigation into alleged administrative corruption, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, arrived at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office on Friday. This marks his third appearance before federal investigators as the agency intensifies its scrutiny into various allegations involving the state government.

The session follows a previous grilling session held on October 19, during which Ghuman was questioned for approximately four and a half hours regarding his potential involvement in irregularities. The investigation is being conducted under the strict oversight of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which mandated that the central probe agency submit a comprehensive status report by December 4, 2026.

Legal Protection and Expanding Probes

The legal battle surrounding the OSD took a pivotal turn on October 12, when the Supreme Court of India intervened to grant Ghuman interim protection from any coercive action. This relief came with a mandatory condition that he must cooperate fully with the central agency’s ongoing inquiries.

While the CBI continues to lead the primary investigation, the legal pressure on the OSD has expanded significantly. Shortly after the Supreme Court’s intervention, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated its own case in Jalandhar. By opening a parallel inquiry, federal authorities have brought a money-laundering angle into the scope of the probe, signaling that the investigation is looking deeper into the financial trails linked to the allegations.

Allegations of Systemic Corruption

At the heart of the probe is a sprawling list of accusations that have cast a shadow over administrative functions within the state. According to details emerging from the investigation, the agencies are examining evidence related to systematic influence-peddling and the manipulation of government tenders.

Furthermore, investigators are digging into allegations of real estate irregularities, probing whether public positions and influence were used to facilitate personal gains. Perhaps most damaging are the reports of a “cash-for-posting” racket, which suggests that administrative transfers and official appointments were allegedly being traded for financial kickbacks.

Mounting Pressure on the Administration

The repeat summons and the active involvement of both the CBI and the ED highlight the gravity of the situation for the current state administration. As the December 2026 deadline set by the High Court approaches, the frequency of questioning suggests that central agencies are aiming to consolidate their findings into a concrete report.

For the Punjab government, the continued investigation into a high-ranking official like the OSD remains a sensitive issue, particularly as political rivals keep a close watch on the evidentiary trail. As Ghuman continues to comply with the legal directives to appear for questioning, the outcome of these sessions is expected to have far-reaching implications for the individuals involved and the state’s political landscape.

The CBI has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific details of Friday’s questioning, but officials indicated that the probe is focused on verifying documents and digital footprints that could link the OSD to the alleged network of corruption.

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