ED Letter Row: Vijay Sampla questions delay in FIR, demands CBI probe
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 21, 2026: The political controversy in Punjab over letters sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the Punjab Police has intensified, with BJP leader and former Union Minister Vijay Sampla questioning the alleged delay in registration of an FIR and demanding a CBI probe into the matter.
The ED has written to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, seeking registration of a case over alleged irregularities involving people reportedly linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman. According to reports, the ED has alleged that certain individuals used their influence to interfere in government functioning, including transfers and postings of officials, policy decisions, tenders, land-related matters and arms licence approvals.
According to reports, the ED’s communication sought action under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has reportedly cited investigative material, including WhatsApp chats, in support of its allegations. The allegations have not been established by a court.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Sampla questioned why an FIR had allegedly not been registered even after 13 days of the ED’s communication reaching the Punjab Police.
Sampla said the ED communication should not be treated as a political letter, but as material arising from an investigation. He questioned what action the Punjab Police had taken on the information and material provided by the central agency.
The BJP leader demanded that the Punjab Government clarify the status of the ED’s letters and explain the alleged delay in registering an FIR.
The controversy centres on allegations concerning individuals allegedly associated with Rajbir Singh Ghuman. The ED has reportedly alleged that private individuals acted as intermediaries to influence transfers and postings of government officials and obtain other government-related benefits. The agency has also reportedly referred to allegations involving confidential government information, arms licences and approvals. These remain allegations and are subject to investigation and legal scrutiny.
The Punjab Government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have rejected the allegations. Mann has termed the ED’s claims baseless and said there was no truth in what had been alleged. He also said he did not need anyone’s “certificate of honesty”.
Mann’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman has also denied the allegations. In a response aimed at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Ghuman challenged him to produce any chat or evidence showing that he had asked anyone for money.
He said that if such evidence existed, it should be made public, and demanded either proof or a public apology, while warning of possible defamation proceedings.
Also Read: OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman challenges Bikram Singh Majithia to prove allegations or apologise
Ghuman further accused the Opposition of resorting to what he described as false allegations and character assassination when it could not challenge the government’s work. He maintained that the Bhagwant Mann government was working honestly for Punjab.
Against this backdrop, Sampla has now demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clarify his position on the allegations. He said that if Mann was unaware of the alleged activities and had nothing to hide, he should himself support a CBI investigation into the matter.
The Punjab Police is examining the information provided by the ED, with reports indicating that the DGP has sought inputs from the state Bureau of Investigation regarding the allegations and the legal course available. The government could seek further material from the ED, conduct a preliminary examination or proceed with an FIR if the material is found to disclose cognisable offences.
The immediate focus is now on the action taken by the Punjab Police on the ED’s letters. While the Opposition is demanding an FIR and an independent probe, the Punjab Government has rejected the allegations. The next police action is expected to determine whether the matter moves into a formal criminal investigation or remains the subject of an ongoing political and legal dispute.