CorruptionCase – CBI Crackdown Uncovers Alleged Bribery Network in Punjab Vigilance
CorruptionCase – A major corruption probe in Punjab has intensified after the Central Bureau of Investigation carried out a late-night operation in Mohali and Chandigarh, leading to multiple arrests and fresh scrutiny of senior vigilance officials.
A high-profile bribery investigation in Punjab took a dramatic turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested two alleged middlemen and another associate linked to a Rs 20 lakh corruption case involving officials connected to the Punjab Vigilance Department. The operation included a late-night raid, a surveillance-based trap, and a chase involving suspects who reportedly escaped after receiving alerts from security personnel.
Complaint Triggered CBI Investigation
The case began after a Punjab State Tax Officer approached the CBI with allegations that he was being pressured to pay money in exchange for the closure of a complaint pending before the office of the Director General of Vigilance in Punjab.
According to investigators, Vikas Goyal and his son Raghav Goyal allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from the complainant. Officials said the accused claimed they had direct access to influential officers within the Vigilance Department and could ensure that the matter against the tax officer would be settled.
The FIR registered by the CBI also named OP Rana, identified as the Reader to the Director General of Police (Vigilance), Punjab. Investigators believe Rana played a central role in facilitating communication and allegedly assuring the complainant that the case would be closed after the payment was made.
Demand Allegedly Reduced During Negotiations
During the course of discussions, the alleged demand was reportedly reduced from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 13 lakh. Investigators further claimed that an expensive Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 smartphone was also sought as part of the illegal payment arrangement.
After receiving confirmation regarding the transfer of the bribe, the CBI organized a trap operation in Chandigarh. During the raid, officials arrested Ankit Wadhwa, who was allegedly accepting the cash and mobile phone on behalf of the accused individuals.
Authorities confirmed that the cash amount along with the smartphone was recovered during the operation.
Accused Escaped After Alert
The situation reportedly became tense during the raid when some of the accused managed to flee the scene. According to the CBI, Vikas Goyal, Raghav Goyal, and OP Rana escaped after being warned by armed police personnel deployed nearby.
Officials stated that Rana remains absconding and search operations are continuing to trace him.
Subsequent searches were carried out at properties linked to the accused in Malout and Chandigarh. During these searches, investigators recovered around Rs 9 lakh in cash as well as several documents that are now being examined as part of the wider inquiry.
Investigation Expands Into Information Leak Allegations
The CBI said the probe has uncovered signs of an alleged exchange of confidential information related to pending vigilance matters between the accused intermediaries and officials connected to the department.
Investigators are now examining whether a larger corruption network was operating within the system. The role of other individuals who may have benefited from or facilitated the alleged bribery arrangement is also under scrutiny.
Another aspect being examined involves Punjab Police gunmen who were reportedly assigned to private individuals named in the case. Officials are looking into the circumstances under which armed personnel carrying AK-47 rifles were attached to the accused persons.
Political Reactions Intensify
The developments sparked sharp political reactions across Punjab. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar criticized the functioning of the Vigilance Department, alleging that ordinary citizens had suffered due to corruption within the system. He urged agencies such as the CBI and Enforcement Directorate to take strict legal action against those responsible.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also reacted strongly to the case. In a post on social media platform X, he alleged that institutions created to fight corruption were themselves facing serious allegations. He called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter and demanded accountability for everyone found involved.
The CBI has indicated that the investigation remains active and more disclosures could emerge as questioning and forensic examination of recovered material continue