CBI Raids Punjab Vigilance Office in Mohali; 3 Arrested in Rs 20 Lakh Bribery Case

Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar criticized the Vigilance department's handling of cases involving common citizens and urged central agencies to take strict action. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also criticized the department on social media, calling for a broad, intensive investigation.

The inquiry is examining the role and attachment of Punjab Police gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles with the private accused persons as part of the ongoing investigation.

The CBI reported an exchange of 'sensitive information' relating to pending vigilance matters between Rana and the Goyals, suggesting a wider conspiracy under investigation.

Residential searches at the Goyals' premises in Malout and at Rana's residence in Chandigarh led to the recovery of Rs 9 lakh in cash and incriminating documents.

Rana, the Reader to the DGP Vigilance, reportedly fled after being alerted by gunmen. She remained absconding at the time of reporting, with authorities pursuing her arrest.

During the operation, Ankit Wadhwa, an associate of the accused, was arrested in Chandigarh for accepting a bribe of Rs 13 lakh and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 mobile phone on their behalf. The bribe amount and the mobile phone were recovered during trap proceedings.

The CBI raided the Punjab Vigilance Office in Mohali and arrested two middlemen, Vikas Goyal and Raghav Goyal, and another person in connection with the Rs 20 lakh bribery case involving senior Vigilance officials. The bribe amount reportedly had been negotiated down to Rs 13 lakh plus a mobile phone for Rana’s role.

A Punjab State Tax Officer filed a complaint alleging illegal gratification of Rs 20 lakh to close a pending matter in the Punjab DG Vigilance office. The FIR named two middlemen, Vikas Goyal and Raghav Goyal, and indicated involvement of the Reader to the DGP Vigilance, Rana. The CBI said Rana’s involvement in the conspiracy was prima facie noted.