Punjab News: ED Report Alleges Corruption Network Reaching CMO, Transfer-Posting Claims Under Scanner

The political storm in Punjab is intensifying after the Enforcement Directorate placed a 200-page report before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, detailing allegations of an organised network influencing government decisions. According to the findings presented in the report, businessman Nitin Gohal allegedly acted as an intermediary between government officials and people connected with the Chief Minister’s Office, with investigators examining chats, phone records and documents recovered during searches. The ED has highlighted alleged irregularities involving transfers and postings of officials, government-related work, leakage of sensitive information, arms licences, change of land use approvals and contracts linked to major state institutions. The report reportedly contains details of 21 transfer-posting matters, 11 instances related to payments for official work, 18 cases involving alleged sharing of confidential information and seven matters connected with arms licences. The agency has also referred to alleged communications concerning tenders, CLU approvals and contract allocations involving organisations such as Verka and Markfed. The investigation has brought the role of several alleged intermediaries under scrutiny, while the ED has sought registration of an FIR so that further proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act can be pursued. Punjab Police, however, has maintained that it had sought additional documents from the ED. The matter is now before the High Court, which is examining the material submitted by the agency. The allegations have created a major political issue for the Bhagwant Mann-led government, particularly with elections approaching in the state. However, the claims made in the ED report are allegations at this stage and will have to be tested through investigation and judicial proceedings. The upcoming court hearing could provide further clarity on the next course of action.