Rajbir Singh Ghuman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, did not appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the second time. He was summoned in connection with a case involving allegations of corruption and influence peddling. Instead of appearing in person, Ghuman sent a legal reply to the notice issued to him.
Why Ghuman Was Summoned by the CBI
The CBI asked Ghuman to join the investigation into a corruption and influence peddling case. The agency had summoned him to its Sector 30 office at 3 pm. This was the second time he was called to appear. Before the summons, the CBI had affixed CHASPA notices on the walls and gates of the residences of all the accused, including Ghuman.
The case itself comes from a 251-page FIR registered by the CBI. This FIR was filed on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The FIR includes chats of other persons as well, such as Chuspinder Singh Chahal, who was also asked to join the investigation.
What Happens When Summons Are Skipped
When a person does not appear before an investigating agency despite being summoned, it usually means the agency can take further legal steps. In this case, Ghuman has chosen to respond through a legal reply rather than appearing in person. This is the second time he has taken this route.
The CBI is investigating allegations that involve corruption and influence peddling. The agency has been actively pursuing the case, which is why it issued summons and affixed notices at the residences of the accused. The fact that Ghuman has now skipped the summons twice suggests he is not willing to join the investigation at this stage.
Our Take: Why This Matters
In our view, this is a significant development because it involves a senior official working directly with the Chief Minister of Punjab. When someone in such a position repeatedly avoids appearing before an investigating agency, it raises questions about cooperation with the law. The CBI is acting on High Court directions, which means the matter is being taken seriously by the judiciary.
To put it plainly, skipping summons twice is not a small thing. It sends a message that the person is either not ready to face the investigation or is buying time through legal replies. For the public, this case is important because it involves allegations of corruption at a high level. People have the right to know whether their leaders and their staff are cooperating with investigators.
We are not saying Ghuman is guilty. That is for the investigation and the courts to decide. But when someone is summoned by the CBI and does not appear, it does not help their case in the public eye. The legal reply may be a valid step, but it does not replace appearing before the agency. The CBI will now decide what to do next, and this story will likely develop further.
