Punjab and Haryana HC orders CBI probe into corruption allegations against AAP govt

Chandigarh, Oct 5 (PTI) Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday handed over a probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), directing it to investigate corruption allegations against people linked to the AAP-led Punjab government and submit a report within two months.

The order came on a petition filed by an advocate.

The allegations include cash for transfers and cash for getting favourable policies.

The petitioner submitted that no action has been taken yet, even after the Enforcement Directorate sent communications to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

It was contended that the allegations warranted an independent investigation as it raised serious questions about the state government's functioning.

Speaking to reporters, advocate Dheeraj Jain, who appeared for the ED with Additional Solicitor Advocate General Satyapal Jain, said that while pronouncing the order, the court observed that they have come to the conclusion that it was a serious matter and should be properly investigated.

"The high court observed that the way Punjab police handled the matter is not satisfactory. It said the CBI will probe the case now. The CBI has been directed that within two months they will submit a status report of the investigation," Dheeraj Jain said.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor has also directed Punjab police and Punjab government that all documents pertaining to the case be handed over to the CBI.

A detailed order is awaited, Jain said.