'We Welcome This Decision': Khaira Reacts to CBI Probe into CM's OSD
Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira reacts to High Court order directing CBI to investigate CM Bhagwant Mann's OSD, Rajbir Singh Ghumman.
In a major legal development in Punjab, Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has expressed strong support following the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directive to hand over the investigation involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghumman, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The High Court has ordered the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a comprehensive report within a two-month timeframe. This move comes after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Advocate Nikhil Saraf, following the Punjab Police's failure to register a case regarding allegations against the OSD.
'A Police State': Khaira Slams AAP Government
Speaking to the media, Khaira launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, alleging that the state has devolved into a "police state." He claimed that the ruling party has been weaponizing state machinery to target whistleblowers and critics.
"Punjab has become a police state. Anyone who is a whistleblower, anyone who speaks against the Punjab government, the Aam Aadmi Party government, they misuse the police against them," Khaira stated.
He further suggested that the High Court's intervention would serve as a moment of truth for those closely associated with the Chief Minister's office. "Those who claimed to be staunchly loyal to Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, the High Court delivered its verdict on their Chief Minister's office today," he added.
The Background of the Corruption Allegations
The legal battle intensified after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sent three separate letters to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP). The ED had sought the registration of an FIR against Rajbir Singh Ghumman and several other individuals, citing their alleged involvement in corruption.
The core details of the case include:
- The Catalyst: Letters from the ED to the Punjab DGP alleging corruption.
- The Legal Trigger: A PIL filed by Advocate Nikhil Saraf after local police did not act on the ED's communications.
- The Court Mandate: The High Court has ordered an FIR be registered against the OSD and transferred the entire matter to the CBI.
- The Timeline: The CBI is required to present its findings within two months.
Khaira emphasized that the scale of the alleged corruption is significant and expressed hope that the CBI probe would bring the full truth to light for the citizens of Punjab. He noted that there are multiple complaints pending against Rajbir Ghumman that now face the scrutiny of central investigators.