ED alleges network of intermediaries sought to influence transfers, policy decisions in Punjab CMO

New Delhi: A money-laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has brought under scrutiny an alleged network of private intermediaries operating around the Punjab Chief Minister's Office (CMO), with investigation material pointing to alleged attempts to influence government transfers, policy decisions, tenders, licencing and land-related approvals, people in the know told ET.

At the centre of the allegations is private individual Nitin Gohal, whom the ED has described as an intermediary between people seeking government favours and Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann. The agency's findings, shared with the Punjab Director General of Police under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), formed the basis of a subsequent investigation ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and entrusted to the CBI.

According to the ED's findings, an examination of electronic devices, WhatsApp conversations and call records allegedly revealed 21 instances of interference in the transfers and postings of government officials between September 2023 and March 2026. These involved officials in several departments, including the police, food and civil supplies, Markfed and the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority, agency sources added.


Another 11 conversations allegedly concerned policy formulation, amendments to departmental rules, tender conditions, licensing, administrative approvals and other government decisions.

The agency also cited conversations that it interpreted as indicative of payments, kickbacks or other benefits in return for official favours.

The allegations also extend to access to confidential government information. Gohal allegedly received and forwarded draft transfer orders and other sensitive documents before their formal release. The ED's material also referred to a confidential presentation on foodgrain policy. In his statement to ED, Gohal allegedly acknowledged receiving and forwarding the presentation, while saying that he had obtained it through his links with government officials.

The alleged network is also being examined for its role in facilitating the placement of Gohal's brother, Jitin Gohal, in the CMO as an outsourced employee. The ED has cited a WhatsApp conversation dated January 23, 2026, and alleged that the placement was facilitated through Ghuman and another individual. Jitin, who was a Markfed manager, was allegedly attached to the CMO.

The agency has also examined alleged benefits in the form of travel and hospitality. It referred to records of air tickets and hotel bookings arranged by Nitin Gohal for Ghuman and another political associate. Gohal acknowledged making some bookings but denied that they constituted kickbacks, saying that the individuals concerned had paid directly in several instances, according to the material cited in the court proceedings.

During searches conducted in May 2026 at premises linked to Gohal and others, the ED allegedly recovered cash and electronic records. The agency cited a cash recovery of ₹20.98 lakh from Gohal. The ED's investigation originated from a money-laundering case relating to alleged irregularities in land-use conversion and property transactions.

After the ED shared its findings with the Punjab Police, the state agency did not register an FIR. On October 5, the Punjab and Haryana HC directed the CBI to register a case, observing that the allegations prima facie disclosed cognisable offences and warranted an independent investigation. The CBI subsequently registered an FIR against Ghuman and five others, covering alleged bribery linked to transfers, policy formulation, tenders, licensing and land-related matters. The Supreme Court later declined to stay the CBI FIR while directing that no coercive action be taken against the petitioners and asking the Punjab government to cooperate with the investigation.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has repeatedly rejected the allegations, describing the ED's action as a political witch hunt and accusing the BJP-led Centre of misusing central agencies to target and defame the Punjab government. The allegations against the individuals concerned remain subject to investigation.