CorruptionProbe – Punjab Vigilance Chief Mentioned in CBI Bribery Investigation
CorruptionProbe – The Central Bureau of Investigation has expanded its probe into an alleged bribery case linked to officials connected with the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, bringing fresh attention to senior officers in the state administration.
A senior Punjab Police officer, Sharad Satya Chauhan, currently serving as Director General-cum-Chief Director of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, has been mentioned in a corruption case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Although the IPS officer has not been listed as an accused in the FIR, investigators have referred to his name while examining allegations involving a Rs 13 lakh bribe demand linked to the disposal of a pending complaint.
CBI Examines Alleged Bribe Network
According to the FIR filed by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, the case revolves around accusations that intermediaries sought money from a State Tax Officer in exchange for helping close a complaint reportedly pending before the Vigilance Bureau. The complainant, Amit Kumar from Abohar in Punjab’s Fazilka district, alleged that private individuals approached him claiming influence within the bureau.
The agency stated that Raghav Goyal and his father, Vikas Goyal, allegedly acted as middlemen for public officials and demanded illegal payments to ensure favorable action in the matter. The FIR also names OP Rana, who serves as reader to the Director General of Vigilance.
Investigators have alleged that the accused sought Rs 13 lakh from the complainant. In addition to cash, a mobile phone was reportedly demanded for one of the officials connected to the case.
Verification Conducted After Initial Complaint
The complaint was submitted to the CBI on May 8 and later assigned to Inspector Arun Ahlawat of the Anti-Corruption Branch for verification. Following preliminary checks, the agency prepared a verification report on May 11, which formed the basis for further proceedings.
The report stated that the accused allegedly demanded money on behalf of officials connected to the Vigilance Bureau for facilitating the closure of the complaint against Amit Kumar. Investigators noted that the allegations pointed toward possible misuse of official influence for personal gain.
Based on the findings, the CBI registered a formal case under provisions related to criminal conspiracy and corruption offences.
Charges Linked to Prevention of Corruption Act
The FIR mentions suspected violations under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. These provisions relate to criminal conspiracy, unlawful demand of advantage by a public servant, and influencing official decisions through corrupt means.
The accused named in the case include OP Rana, Raghav Goyal and Vikas Goyal, while the FIR also refers to unidentified public and private persons who may have played a role in the alleged scheme.
At this stage, the CBI has not declared Sharad Satya Chauhan an accused in the matter. However, the mention of his name in official investigation documents has drawn significant attention because of his senior position in the Punjab Police hierarchy.
Impact on Punjab Police Leadership Discussions
The development comes at a time when discussions are underway regarding the appointment of Punjab’s next Director General of Police. Chauhan, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, has been regarded as one of the leading candidates for the top post.
Recently, the Punjab government forwarded a panel of senior officers to the Union Public Service Commission for consideration for the DGP position. The ongoing CBI investigation could now influence the administrative and political conversation surrounding the selection process.
So far, no official statement has been issued by Chauhan regarding the allegations referenced in the FIR. The investigation remains ongoing, and the CBI is expected to continue examining financial transactions, communication records and the alleged role of intermediaries connected to the case.