CBI Books Punjab CM's OSD, Raids Offices Amid High Court-Ordered Corruption Probe

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) and conducted widespread searches at eight locations, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann camp office, targeting his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghumman, and five others. This significant move follows direct orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, spurred by a report from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) outlining grave corruption allegations against the OSD and his associates. The accused allegedly manipulated postings of senior officers and influenced policy decisions for financial gains. The allegations paint a concerning picture of systemic corruption, encompassing manipulation of IAS and IPS officer postings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing, and land use conversion, all in exchange for 'pecuniary benefits'. The Enforcement Directorate initial investigation into a money laundering case involving a housing society first flagged these issues, leading them to send three letters to the Punjab DGP seeking an FIR. However, the High Court intervened after a Public Interest Litigation highlighted the Punjab Police's alleged inaction, stating the ED material 'prima facie indicated involvement of high public officials in acts of corruption'. With incriminating evidence like laptops, mobile phones, and documents seized, the CBI investigation is now in full swing. The Punjab government, however, has swiftly moved the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court's directive, citing concerns over 'federal structure' interference and political timing ahead of elections. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has publicly dismissed the raids as political vendetta, alleging misuse of central agencies by the BJP to defame his government, setting the stage for a major legal and political confrontation in the coming weeks.