CorruptionCase – CBI Probe Deepens in Punjab Vigilance Bureau Bribery Matter
CorruptionCase – The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into an alleged bribery network linked to officials associated with the Punjab Vigilance Bureau after arresting three individuals accused of facilitating illegal payments to influence an ongoing inquiry against a state tax officer.
The agency said the arrests were made following a complaint filed by a Punjab State Tax Officer, who alleged that he was pressured to pay a large sum of money to secure relief in a vigilance-related case pending before senior authorities in the state.
Allegations Linked to Pending Vigilance Inquiry
According to investigators, two private individuals identified as Vikas Goyal, also known as Vicky Goyal, and his son Raghav Goyal allegedly approached the complainant and demanded money in exchange for ensuring the closure of the complaint pending in the office of the Director General (Vigilance), Punjab.
The CBI stated that its preliminary investigation suggested the accused were allegedly operating as intermediaries for officials connected to the vigilance setup. Among those named in the inquiry is OP Rana, who was serving as Reader to the Director General of Police (Vigilance), Punjab.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the complainant was allegedly assured that the vigilance matter would be resolved once the payment was delivered.
Bribe Demand Reduced During Negotiations
During the course of discussions between the accused and the complainant, the original demand of Rs 20 lakh was allegedly negotiated down to Rs 13 lakh. Investigators further claimed that an expensive Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 smartphone was also sought as part of the arrangement intended for Rana.
The CBI then launched a trap operation in Chandigarh on May 11 after verifying the allegations made in the complaint. During the operation, agency officials reportedly caught Ankit Wadhwa, described as an associate of the accused middlemen, while allegedly receiving the cash amount along with the mobile phone.
Dramatic Escape Attempt Near Punjab-Haryana Border
The operation took a dramatic turn when several accused individuals allegedly attempted to flee after becoming aware of the CBI presence. Investigators said Raghav Goyal, Vikas Goyal, and OP Rana tried to escape with the assistance of armed personnel who were reportedly present nearby.
The agency said a chase followed, leading officials towards the Punjab-Haryana border near Ambala. While Raghav Goyal and Vikas Goyal, along with two gunmen, were intercepted during the pursuit, OP Rana managed to evade arrest and remains absconding.
CBI teams are continuing search operations to locate him.
Cash and Documents Recovered During Searches
Following the arrests, the agency carried out searches at multiple locations in Malout and Chandigarh connected to the accused persons. During these raids, officials reportedly recovered around Rs 9 lakh in cash along with documents considered important for the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are also examining communication records and other materials that may reveal how information regarding pending vigilance matters was allegedly shared between officials and private individuals.
Role of Armed Personnel Under Examination
Another aspect under scrutiny is the reported presence of Punjab Police gunmen assigned to private individuals connected to the case. According to the agency, some of the security personnel were carrying AK-47 rifles at the time of the operation.
Officials are now trying to determine under what circumstances these gunmen were attached to the accused individuals and whether any procedural violations occurred in the deployment of police security.
Wider Conspiracy Angle Being Investigated
The CBI has indicated that the inquiry may expand further as investigators continue to examine whether more officials or private persons were involved in the alleged bribery arrangement.
All arrested accused are expected to be produced before a designated court in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, the agency said the investigation into the suspected conspiracy and possible misuse of official influence remains ongoing.