After months of silence, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has finally named former Raikot SDM Gurbir Singh Kohli in the explosive ₹2.46 crore bribery case — but only after a strong reprimand from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
This move comes five months after a shocking raid on June 12, when Kohli’s steno, Jatinder Singh alias Neeta Noorpura, was caught red-handed hiding ₹2.46 crore in a cupboard inside the SDM office. The cash was allegedly collected as bribes.
High Court’s Wrath Triggers Action
The case had been dragging for months — until Justice Suvir Sehgal pulled up the Vigilance Bureau for its inaction. The complainant, Karamjit Singh Kamal Sukhana, personal secretary to Raikot MLA Hakam Singh Thekedar, accused Vigilance officers of shielding Kohli.
Under pressure, DSP Shivchand, the investigating officer, informed the court that Kohli was officially named on October 24.
Bribes, Bags of Cash & Suspicious Escape
Minutes before the Vigilance raid, SDM Kohli allegedly fled the office in a government vehicle, carrying two bags with his driver. His steno later admitted that Kohli had handed him ₹24.6 lakh to stash in the cupboard, while the missing bags “likely contained lakhs more.”
The raid team, led by DSP Shiv Chand, seized the ₹2.46 crore cash.
During follow-up searches, jewellery, vehicle papers, property documents, and more cash were found at Kohli’s premises.
Court Rejects Bail — Twice
Despite being on the run for five months, Kohli had moved an anticipatory bail plea even before being named in the FIR.
District and Sessions Judge Amarinder Singh Shergill dismissed the plea as “pointless.” After his name appeared in the case, Kohli filed another bail application — again rejected with scathing remarks.
⚖️ Youth Akali Leader Also Trapped
The corruption web has also dragged in Youth Akali Dal Vice President Sukhjeet Singh Baggi Jhordan, who allegedly paid ₹10 lakh to Kohli to fix a land case. Both Baggi and Kohli’s steno have been in jail for five months.
Baggi’s bail plea was rejected by the Ludhiana court; he’s now approached the High Court.
Meanwhile, steno Neeta Noorpura has offered to turn government witness, with his plea scheduled for hearing on October 12.
Kohli Still Absconding
The absconding SDM faces dismissal proceedings as Punjab’s Chief Secretary initiates formal removal.
Vigilance sources say the case could uncover a wider bribery nexus involving senior officers and political aides.
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