Mohali (Gurpreet Singh): A major corruption probe intensified in Punjab after the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted surprise searches at the state Vigilance Bureau headquarters and detained multiple individuals in connection with an alleged bribery deal.
The late-night operation at the Mohali-based headquarters reportedly led to the questioning of O.P. Rana, a close aide to a senior vigilance official. Investigators returned to the premises again on Tuesday as part of an extended inquiry into suspected illegal financial dealings.
The agency also carried out simultaneous searches at residential locations in Malout, where two alleged middlemen, Raghav Goyal and Vikas Goyal, were detained for questioning.
Sources linked to the investigation said the case revolves around an alleged ₹20 lakh payoff that was reportedly being negotiated at a luxury hotel in Chandigarh. Acting on prior information, CBI officials are said to have intercepted the meeting while discussions were underway.
During the operation, officers allegedly recovered ₹13 lakh brought to the location as part of the transaction. The recovery is being treated as crucial evidence in the case.
Following preliminary investigation, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has reportedly been registered against Rana and Raghav Goyal. Officials are now examining whether the suspects acted independently or as part of a wider organised network.
Investigators are also looking into the background of the accused and their possible links with serving or former officials within the vigilance establishment.
The case has triggered widespread discussion because the raid targeted the very department tasked with investigating corruption cases in Punjab. The development has raised serious questions about internal oversight mechanisms within the agency.
Sources suggest the CBI is now tracing financial records, phone data and possible links between officials and private operators to establish the full scale of the alleged system.
More questioning and fresh disclosures are expected in the coming days as investigators attempt to uncover whether similar transactions had taken place earlier.
The probe is being closely watched across political and administrative circles, with officials indicating that further action could follow depending on evidence gathered during the investigation.
