‘Truth should come out’: Sachin Pilot calls for probe into CBI case against Punjab CM Mann’s OSD

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday called for the truth to emerge in the corruption case involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, following the registration of a case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Referring to the allegations, Pilot said evidence of this nature against a sitting Chief Minister was unprecedented and stressed the need for the matter to be thoroughly examined.

The CBI registered a case against Ghuman and several others following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The allegations involve bribery and attempts to influence the postings of senior government officials, administrative approvals, licensing decisions and other official matters in exchange for financial benefits.

The agency also conducted searches at eight locations across Punjab and Chandigarh, including the Chief Minister’s camp office. Investigators seized electronic devices and documents as part of the ongoing probe, while Ghuman and five other accused did not appear for questioning on Wednesday.

Punjab government challenges probe

The Punjab government has challenged the High Court’s directions before the Supreme Court, alleging that the investigation is politically motivated. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of using central agencies to target his government ahead of the Assembly elections, while maintaining that Ghuman is willing to cooperate if properly served with summons.

The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred the hearing on the state government’s petition until Friday and declined to grant immediate interim protection against the investigation. The allegations remain under investigation, and no finding of guilt has been established.