Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday for another round of questioning. After the session, which lasted around four-and-a-half hours, Ghuman claimed that he was asked nearly 100 questions and alleged that central agencies were facing political pressure to target the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab.
Speaking to the media after returning from the questioning, Ghuman said many of the questions had already been asked during his earlier interactions with the agency. He questioned the purpose of repeated questioning and alleged that the timing of the investigation was significant as elections approached.
Ghuman said he would continue to cooperate with the investigating agencies whenever summoned. He also confirmed that he would appear before the CBI again on October 31.
“Investigative agencies were created to protect the Constitution, but today their purpose appears to have changed. The aim is to defame CM Mann and his office through me, but this will not succeed,” Ghuman said.
Ghuman questioned why the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had not taken similar action over the past four years if there was evidence of wrongdoing. He alleged that investigative activity was intensifying as elections approached.
Drawing a comparison with West Bengal, Ghuman claimed that a similar pattern was being followed in Punjab. He also alleged that raids at government offices and the seizure of files were part of an attempt to target the state government.
Ghuman also targeted Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, accusing him of repeatedly linking his name to controversies involving drugs, illegal mining and other matters.
Ghuman said he had sent a legal notice to Majithia over what he described as repeated attempts to associate him with unrelated issues.
He also referred to Majithia's reported stay in the United States and challenged the Akali leader to explain where he had stayed during that period. Ghuman said he would disclose details of the house where Majithia allegedly lived if the latter did not respond.
The latest questioning comes amid Ghuman's allegations that the investigation is politically motivated. He has maintained that he will continue to appear before the CBI whenever required, with his next appearance scheduled for October 31.