Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has stepped up his attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after the Enforcement Directorate sought action from Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav over allegations involving Rajbir Ghuman.
Majithia alleged that Ghuman, whom he described as being close to the state government, acted as a middleman in transfers, postings and other official matters. He claimed Ghuman was merely a “pawn” and accused Mann of being the “real player” behind the alleged network. The Chief Minister has not been accused by the ED in the information presented here.
The ED’s communication to the Punjab DGP stems from an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act involving a Chandigarh-based housing society and its associates.
According to the agency, searches conducted at multiple locations between May 7 and 10 resulted in the seizure of nearly Rs 21 lakh in cash.
The ED said material recovered from electronic devices, including WhatsApp conversations, allegedly contained discussions about influencing transfers and postings of government officials.
The agency cited more than 20 alleged instances between 2023 and 2026 involving officials at the IAS, IPS, PCS and DSP levels.
Investigators also alleged interference involving tender conditions, licensing issues and land transactions. One matter highlighted by the agency concerned the alleged undervaluation of a plot in Mohali.
Some recovered conversations allegedly contained references to cash payments worth lakhs of rupees and hawala transactions, according to the ED.
Responding to the ED letter, Majithia questioned how Ghuman allegedly obtained extensive access to the state administration and demanded to know where money allegedly generated through transfers and postings went.
The SAD leader also made broader corruption allegations against the Chief Minister and his government and called on Punjab Police to act on the ED’s findings.
The Enforcement Directorate said the allegations should be examined under applicable laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act and Official Secrets Act, as well as relevant criminal law provisions.
The agency has asked the Punjab DGP to register a case, citing Supreme Court directions requiring an FIR when information received by police discloses a cognisable offence.
The claims against Ghuman and the allegations made by Majithia remain allegations and have not been established in court.
