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Punjab Vigilance Bureau chief named in CBI FIR; not accused, probes reveal ₹13 lakh bribe attempt
A CBI FIR linked to a ₹13 lakh bribery case mentions Sharad Satya Chauhan, chief of Punjab Vigilance Bureau, as a party on whose behalf the bribe was allegedly demanded. The FIR details a trap in Chandigarh, arrests near Ambala, and ongoing searches at the VB Mohali headquarters, with Chauhan not named as an accused. The article notes Chauhan is a leading candidate for the DGP post and that a Red Corner Notice was launched for a key suspect.
Why It Matters
The report centers on alleged corruption involving a senior police officer and multiple associates, with potential implications for law enforcement integrity and DGP selection in Punjab.
Timeline
7 Events
Article published detailing FIR findings and Chauhan's non-accused status
May 16, 2026
The Hindustan Times article published on May 16 reports that Sharad Satya Chauhan's name figures in the CBI FIR but he is not named as an accused. The FIR names others and describes the alleged bribe, and notes that raids and investigations were ongoing; Chauhan is described as a senior IPS officer and a frontrunner for the DGP post, with the government having sent a panel to the UPSC.
Vigilance Bureau Mohali HQ raids continue for nearly 24 hours
May 12, 2026
CBI teams conducted searches at the Vigilance Bureau headquarters in Mohali, continuing for nearly 24 hours after the trap proceedings.
Red Corner Notice process initiated against Rana
May 11, 2026
Following the trap, a Red Corner Notice (RCN) process was initiated against Rana.
Arrests following the trap near Ambala; Rana absconding
May 11, 2026
Rana fled after being alerted by armed gunmen nearby, while CBI apprehended Raghav Goyal, Vikas Goyal and two gunmen near Ambala on the Punjab-Haryana border; Rana remained absconding.
CBI raid at Chandigarh hotel linked to the case
May 11, 2026
A CBI team raided a hotel in Chandigarh on May 11 where Ankit Wadhawa was allegedly caught accepting ₹13 lakh and a mobile phone on behalf of the accused.
CBI verification findings referenced in FIR dated May 11
May 11, 2026
During verification, the CBI found that the accused allegedly demanded ₹13 lakh from the complainant on behalf of public servants Rana and Chauhan, and that a mobile phone was also sought. The FIR notes that the complaint and the subsequent verification report dated May 11 prima facie disclose offences under sections 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Rana, Raghav Goyal, Vikas Goyal and unknown public/private persons.
Complaint filed alleging intermediaries acted for Chauhan and Rana in a bribery case
May 8, 2026
Amit Kumar of Abohar in Fazilka district filed a complaint alleging that Raghav Goyal and Vikas Goyal acted as intermediaries for Sharad Satya Chauhan and his reader OP Rana, demanding illegal gratification to facilitate closure of a pending vigilance bureau complaint. The complaint was assigned to Arun Ahlawat, inspector, CBI (anti-corruption branch), for verification.