CBI Cracks Down on Alleged Bribery Network at Punjab Vigilance Office in Mohali

In a major anti-corruption operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a late-night search at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau office located in Mohali, following allegations linked to a large-scale bribery network.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, the agency was examining claims of an illegal payment deal reportedly worth nearly ₹20 lakh. During the operation, multiple individuals suspected of acting as intermediaries in the alleged racket were taken into custody.

Sources said these alleged middlemen were believed to be facilitating bribe collections on behalf of a senior officer associated with the vigilance department. Investigators are now trying to determine the extent of the network and whether more officials were involved in the operation.

Officials further revealed that the detained suspects had reportedly been receiving police protection from the Punjab government, a detail that has intensified scrutiny around the case.

Meanwhile, the senior vigilance officer allegedly connected to the matter is said to be missing and has not responded to repeated communication attempts by investigating agencies.

The CBI has not yet released an official statement regarding the identities of those detained or the specific charges likely to be filed. However, the raid has triggered political and administrative discussions across Punjab, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and transparency in the functioning of the vigilance department.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests or searches are expected in the coming days as the agency continues to gather evidence related to the suspected bribery transactions.