Fresh Breaking: CBI officially confirms arrest of three accused in Punjab Vigilance bribery case; Vigilance Chief’s Reader O.P. Rana absconding; Watch Video
Ravi Jakhu / Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 12, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially confirmed the arrest of three persons, including two alleged middlemen and one associate, in connection with a ₹20 lakh bribery case linked to officials of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. O.P. Rana, Reader to the Director General of Vigilance, Punjab, is currently absconding.
According to the CBI, the case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a Punjab State Tax Officer, who alleged that Vikas alias Vicky Goyal and his son, Raghav Goyal, demanded ₹20 lakh to secure the closure of a vigilance complaint pending against him in the office of the Director General (Vigilance), Punjab.
The agency stated that the accused were allegedly acting as intermediaries for senior Vigilance officials, including O.P. Rana. The complainant was reportedly assured that the complaint against him would be settled upon payment of the bribe.
During verification, the CBI found prima facie evidence supporting the allegations. Investigators said the accused later reduced the demand from ₹20 lakh to ₹13 lakh, along with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 mobile phone allegedly meant for O.P. Rana.
In a trap operation conducted in Chandigarh on May 11, accused Ankit Wadhwa was allegedly caught while accepting ₹13 lakh in cash and the mobile phone from the complainant on behalf of the accused. Both the cash and the phone were recovered by the CBI.
The agency further stated that Raghav Goyal, Vikas Goyal and O.P. Rana allegedly attempted to flee after being alerted by gunmen present near the spot. Following a chase, the CBI apprehended Raghav Goyal, Vikas Goyal and two gunmen near Ambala on the Punjab-Haryana border. However, O.P. Rana remains at large, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
Searches conducted at premises linked to the accused in Malout and Chandigarh reportedly led to the recovery of ₹9 lakh in cash along with incriminating documents.
The investigation has also revealed the alleged exchange of sensitive information relating to pending vigilance matters between O.P. Rana and the private accused. The CBI said it is probing a wider conspiracy, including the possible involvement of other individuals and an alleged illegal gratification network.
The role of Punjab Police gunmen assigned to the private accused, who were reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles, is also under investigation.
All three arrested accused are being produced before a designated court in Chandigarh. Further investigation is in progress.
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