BREAKING: Rajbir Singh Ghuman – OSD to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Challenges CBI Investigation Under Section 17A at Sangrur Residence

Rafia Tasleem | October 9, 2026 | 12:40 PM IST | Breaking News, Courts & Law, India, Politics | Follow on Google News

BREAKING: Rajbir Singh Ghuman – OSD to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Challenges CBI Investigation Under Section 17A at Sangrur Residence

Punjab, October 09, 2026 [VoM News]: The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s OSD, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, has approached to the Punjab High Court to set aside the CBI investigation and the search of his Sangrur residence. He argued that the agency had done this without a prior approval as required by Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

In its petition, Ghuman has said that the CBI had prepared a FIR around 11.50 pm on October 5 and searched his family house in village Gharachon, Sangrur, within 24 hours without obtaining the statutory approval as per Section 17A.

Ghuman has claimed that the search was carried out from around 5.50 pm on October 6 to 4 am on October 7, when neither he nor his family members were present at the residence.

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He has also raised doubts about the way the search and seizure had gone on, saying that there was only one independent witness present. The petition states that a police officer cannot “investigate” or “inquiries” any allegations under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) against a public servant when the allegations relate to a “recommendation” made or “decision” taken by the public servant in connection with his or her “official functions”.

That doesn’t happen in an on-the-spot arrest in a trap case, Ghuman said. The petition also takes objection to the CBI action on the premise that the FIR had been lodged on the day of issuance of the October 5 order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The petitioner has relied upon the Supreme Court’s verdict in Yashwant Sinha vs. CBI, which ruled that even if a court orders an FIR to be filed, investigation would have to comply with the statutory requirement of obtaining prior approval under Section 17A.

The investigation against Ghuman has been challenged by him till the mandatory approval under Section 17A is granted. Or he has asked that “no further action be taken against him without first obtaining authorization pursuant to the provision.

The petition challenges the legality of the search conducted by the CBI on October 6 and the wider corruption probe, paving the way for another legal tussle between the agency and the Punjab government official.

Rafia Tasleem

Rafia Tasleem is a seasoned journalist from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for her expertise in content writing, investigative research, fact-based reporting, strategic media planning, presentation and lot more. With experience working for both national and international news organizations, she brings a deep understanding of media dynamics. Holding a Master’s in Communication and Media Studies from Aligarh Muslim University, she has been contributing to VoM News for the past two years. For inquiries, contact rafiatasleem@seashell-clam-300365.hostingersite.com.