The searches were carried out a day after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the CBI to register a case and investigate allegations of corruption linked to people associated with the Chief Minister's Office.

The Punjab government has challenged the High Court order in the Supreme Court.

The CBI conducted coordinated searches at eight locations across Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and Jalandhar.

Laptops, mobile phones and documents were seized and are being examined for evidence of alleged bribery and impropriety, the agency said.

CBI case against Mann's OSD, five others

The agency has registered an FIR against Ghuman and five others following the High Court's directions and a report from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The allegations include manipulating or influencing the postings of IAS and IPS officers, departmental proceedings, policy formulation, administrative approvals, tender conditions, licensing matters and land-related decisions in exchange for financial benefits.

The CBI is also examining allegations that confidential government documents and drafts of government orders and policies were allegedly accessed and shared with private individuals before their official release.

The High Court had directed the CBI to submit a status report on the investigation within two months after finding that material placed before it by the ED prima facie disclosed cognisable offences.

Bhagwant Mann blames BJP

Reacting to the searches, Mann accused the BJP of misusing central investigative agencies ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.

"The BJP has started preparations for the Punjab elections," Mann said in a post on X, alleging that the CBI and ED would be used to "defame" the Punjab government and him.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also attacked the BJP, calling the CBI action a result of its alleged frustration and accusing the Centre of targeting Punjab's elected government.

BJP: 'CBI was ordered by High Court'

The BJP rejected the allegations of political interference.

Senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar said the CBI action was not ordered by the central government but followed the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directive to investigate the allegations.

"The court itself is monitoring the investigation," Jakhar said, asking Mann to cooperate with the probe.

Punjab takes CBI probe to Supreme Court

The Punjab government has challenged the High Court's order before the Supreme Court, escalating the legal battle over the CBI investigation.

The case stems from allegations raised by the ED concerning Ghuman and his alleged associates.

The accusations include interference in government transfers and postings and providing access to confidential government information.

The CBI investigation is now underway, with the seized material being examined as the agency prepares its report for the court.