CBI Raids Punjab CM's Camp Office in Chandigarh
The CBI conducted raids at CM Bhagwant Mann's camp office in Chandigarh following court orders regarding his OSD's corruption case.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a high-stakes operation on Tuesday, conducting raids at the camp office of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh. The search operation, centered at House Number 50 in Sector 2, is part of an ongoing investigation involving the Chief Minister's Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman.
Court Orders Probe into Corruption Allegations
The investigative action follows a significant directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court had ordered the CBI to probe allegations of corruption involving Rajbir Singh Ghuman, noting that the situation has raised serious questions regarding the functioning of the Punjab Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
The legal proceedings were initiated following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf. The petition sought an independent investigation into specific allegations previously raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). In its directive, the High Court has mandated that the CBI submit its comprehensive findings within a two-month timeframe.
Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta
Reacting to the raids, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took to social media to launch a scathing attack on the ruling central government. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of weaponizing central agencies to destabilize his administration.
"The BJP is rattled by the love being received from the people to his government in the state," Mann stated in a post on X. He further alleged that the BJP is using the ED and CBI to defame both him and the Punjab government as they prepare for upcoming elections in the state.
Political Tensions Escalate
The raid has intensified the political warfare between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP in Punjab. On Monday, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu escalated the rhetoric, targeting the Chief Minister directly.
In a video released recently, Bittu made sharp accusations against the administration, claiming that the controversy goes far beyond the OSD and strikes at the heart of the CM's office. "This is about the reputation of the CM house and office," Bittu remarked, while acknowledging the efforts of the legal counsel who brought detailed evidence to the ED.
As the CBI continues its investigation, the political landscape in Punjab remains highly volatile, with the outcome of this probe expected to have significant implications for the state's leadership.