Proof of 21 'compromised transfers', 11 policy changes part of CBI's Punjab file
Quick Look
The CBI has gathered evidence of compromised transfers of at least 21 senior Punjab government and police officers as part of its probe into the cash-for-postings scam, including alleged influence by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman and accused Nitin Gohal, who reportedly used his friendship with Ghuman to facilitate postings and tender manipulations.
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Why It Matters
The CBI is probing the cash-for-postings scam in Punjab, which involves allegations of illegal transfers and postings in exchange for money or favours, with the ED's earlier findings being referenced in the current investigation.
File photo: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann
NEW DELHI: A day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to take up a plea for restraining its probe into allegations against OSD to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, CBI was learnt to be in possession of evidence of "compromised transfers" of at least 21 senior state govt and police officers of Punjab. The evidence, collected as part of its probe into the "cash-for-postings" scam, includes an alleged push for the transfer of a senior cop from the anti-gangster task force and the suspension of an officer of Sangrur jail. CBI, based on ED probe, has mentioned alleged instances of Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman's role in its FIR against him. Eleven alleged instances of changes in policy, including bid to influence the transport policy and administrative decisions, have also been cited. The FIR mentions instances of request for issue of arms licences, including the one made to a senior IPS officer by Nitin Gohal, an accused in the case. Gohal allegedly had his brother, Jitin, also an accused, posted in CMO through Ghuman in Jan to act as a middleman. Gohal was questioned by ED in May regarding his alleged role in organising administrative favours, and tender manipulations across Punjab.
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Confronted with evidence containing numerous communications from officers, and MLAs requesting posting favours, Gohal pointed to his 22-year friendship with Ghuman. He said he merely performed "data entry type work", including compiling spreadsheets and forwarding them to CMO officials. Probe, however, found Gohal acquired an industrial plot in Mohali, financed equally by his business partner, after purchasing the land from Pritpal Dhindsa, who had similarly approached Gohal with transfer requests. The probe highlighted Gohal's dealings with rice sheller businessman R S Nagra. Evidence showed Nagra repeatedly approaching Gohal for transfers of officials. He sought Gohal's intervention to alter tender terms.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Supreme Court will hear the plea to restrain the CBI probe into allegations against OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman
Very likely · Within days
The CBI may expand its investigation to include further scrutiny of land deals and tender processes linked to the accused
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific actions will the Supreme Court take regarding the plea to restrain the CBI probe?
- Will the alleged industrial plot acquisition by Nitin Gohal lead to further legal action?
- Are any of the 21 senior officers facing disciplinary action based on the CBI evidence?
