High Court Stays Corruption Case Against Ex-CM's OSD
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the street light scam corruption case involving Sandeep Singh Sandhu, former OSD to Capt Amrinder Singh.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted a significant reprieve to Sandeep Singh Sandhu, the former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to ex-Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, by staying the ongoing corruption proceedings against him.
Relief in the Street Light Scam Case
The court's decision on Wednesday specifically addresses the legal proceedings stemming from an FIR related to a street light installation scam. According to the court order, "The further proceedings in pursuance to the impugned FIR/orders in question shall remain stayed qua the petitioners."
The legal battle centers on allegations of financial irregularities involving the embezzlement of approximately Rs 65 lakhs. These funds were specifically earmarked for the installation of street lights across various villages between the years 2021 and 2022.
Claims of Political Vendetta
The petitioners have raised serious concerns regarding the fairness of the investigation. They argued that the allegations against them appear to have been prejudged, which they claim has significantly prejudiced their fundamental right to a proper defense. The petitions further suggest that the FIR was registered primarily as a consequence of the change in the political regime in Punjab in 2022.
To provide context, Captain Amarinder Singh served his second term as Chief Minister from 2017 to 2021 under the Congress government. Following a fallout with the Congress high command, he resigned on September 18, 2021, to form the Punjab Lok Congress. While his new party did not secure seats in the 2022 Assembly elections, Singh eventually merged his party with the BJP in September 2022.
Parallel Corruption Investigation in Punjab
While the court handles the case involving the former Chief Minister's office, a separate corruption investigation has surfaced involving the current administration. The CBI has registered an FIR against the OSD to the current Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, and several associates.
The CBI's investigation is looking into allegations of improper influence regarding the posting of IAS and IPS officers, departmental proceedings, and policy formulation. The agency alleges that private individuals were provided with drafts of government orders and policies before they were officially issued, allegedly in exchange for pecuniary benefits.
The CBI has booked six individuals in this ongoing probe, including:
- Rajbir Ghuman (OSD to the Chief Minister, Punjab)
- Nitin Gohal
- Jitin Gohal (alias Raja)
- Romi Raja Mahajan
- Bir Devinder
- RS Nagra