BJP questions Punjab Police for inaction on ED reference, seeks CBI probe

Chandigarh, Aug 20 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has forwarded investigative material under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and specifically said that the material indicated the commission of cognisable offences. 

The police have kept the ED reference pending for the past 13 days that raised serious questions about its willingness to act.

"We therefore demand an independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the entire matter," former Union Minister Vijay Sampla told the media here.

Sampla said the ED reference, based on material gathered during its investigation in a case, contained serious allegations relating to criminal conspiracy, corruption, unauthorised leakage of confidential government information, interference in transfers and postings, manipulation of government policies and tenders, illegal gratification and other cognisable offences.

"The matter assumes greater significance because the ED's investigation material contains references to Rajbir Ghuman, who is associated with the Punjab Chief Minister's Office as the Officer on Special Duty, and to his alleged coordination with private individual Nitin Gohal in matters concerning government functioning.

The material covers a wide range of issues -- from transfers and postings to government policies, tenders, confidential information, land matters, licences and alleged financial benefits.

"This raises a fundamental question: how could such an extensive network allegedly operate around a person connected with the Chief Minister's Office without the Chief Minister (Bhagwant Mann) being aware of it?" former State BJP Chief Sampla said.

He added that the Chief Minister must now make his position clear regarding the matter.

"If Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann genuinely had no knowledge of these alleged activities and has nothing to hide, he should himself demand a CBI investigation. He is also the state's Home Minister, while the Punjab Police functions under the state government. In these circumstances, an independent central investigation is necessary to ensure public confidence and establish the truth."

Sampla demanded registration of a first information report (FIR) sought by the ED, preservation of all digital, documentary, and financial evidence, and a time-bound CBI investigation into the entire matter, including the roles of Gohal, Ghuman, and all other persons named in the ED material.

"Bhagwant Mann has repeatedly claimed that his government is committed to honesty and transparency. This is the moment to demonstrate it. Punjab needs an impartial investigation, not explanations; an FIR, not political excuses; and the truth, whatever that truth may be," the BJP leader added.

--IANS

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