Partap Bajwa Slams Mann: If Innocent, Why Fear CBI Investigation?
LoP Partap Singh Bajwa challenges CM Bhagwant Mann to face CBI investigation following raids at his camp office over corruption allegations.
In a scathing attack on the Punjab government, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa has challenged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to step forward and face the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Bajwa’s remarks follow high-profile raids conducted by the agency at the Chief Minister's camp office in Chandigarh, which have sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape.
The Core of the Controversy
The CBI's recent crackdown stems from serious allegations of corruption involving the manipulation of administrative processes. According to the agency, the investigation focuses on the illegal influencing of:
- Official postings and transfers
- Departmental proceedings and policy formulation
- Administrative approvals and tender conditions
- Licensing and various land-related matters
The agency alleges that these processes were compromised in exchange for significant pecuniary benefits. The raids, which spanned eight different locations, resulted in the seizure of laptops, mobile phones, and various documents that are currently being scrutinized for evidence of bribery.
High Court Intervention Triggers Probe
A crucial aspect of this developing story is that the CBI did not initiate this investigation on its own volition. Instead, the agency was acting under the direct orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This judicial intervention occurred after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, following claims that the Punjab Police had failed to act on warnings previously flagged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Bajwa emphasized that the gravity of the situation cannot be understated, noting that the allegations involve scams worth crores and even billions of rupees related to Gram Panchayats, land, and the awarding of government contracts.
Bajwa Targets Kejriwal and Mann
The Leader of Opposition did not mince words when addressing the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He held both Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann directly responsible for the current predicament.
"Regarding the CBI raids in Chandigarh, I hold Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann directly responsible. If they had registered an FIR against these individuals themselves—or even arrested a few of them—they could have saved themselves," Bajwa stated.He further accused the ruling party of attempting to use a "smokescreen" by claiming a monopoly on honesty while ignoring the specific allegations leveled against the Chief Minister's Office and Mann's immediate family members. "If Bhagwant Mann has done nothing wrong, what is the problem in facing the investigation?" he questioned.
Legal Battle Moves to Supreme Court
As the CBI continues its investigation, the Punjab government has taken the fight to the highest court in the country. On October 6, the state government filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court's order that compelled the CBI to register the case. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the state's challenge.
The FIR specifically names several individuals, including:
- Rajbir Singh Ghuman (Officer on Special Duty to the CM)
- Nitin Gohal (Alleged intermediary)
- Jitin Gohal (alias Raja)
- Romi Raja Mahajan
- Bir Devinder
- R.S. Nagra
While the investigation is ongoing and the allegations have not yet been proven in a court of law, Bajwa concluded that the outcome will be the ultimate test for the Chief Minister. He noted that while the raids might vindicate the leadership if no evidence is found, the administration must be prepared to face the consequences if the probe uncovers wrongdoing.