A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh has rejected the bail application of Vikas Goyal, also known as Vicky Goyal, one of the key accused in the alleged ₹13 lakh Punjab Vigilance Bureau bribery case. The court observed that the allegations are serious and point to what investigators describe as a larger conspiracy involving the misuse of the anti-corruption system for personal gain.
The case has attracted significant attention because of claims that a fake vigilance complaint was allegedly created using artificial intelligence tools and then used to pressure a government official into paying money to avoid action. While the investigation is still ongoing and the accused have not been convicted, the court said the evidence collected so far is substantial enough to deny bail at this stage.
Special CBI Judge Bhawna Jain ruled that releasing the accused could potentially affect the investigation and influence witnesses connected to the case. The court also noted that the allegations go beyond a simple bribery matter and indicate a planned effort to misuse official mechanisms for extortion.
According to the prosecution, the case began after Amit Kumar, a State Tax Officer posted in Malout, filed a complaint. He alleged that several individuals demanded money from him in exchange for closing a vigilance inquiry and preventing further action against him.
Among those named in the case are Om Parkash Singh Rana, who was serving as the reader to the Punjab Director General of Police (Vigilance) at the time, Vikas Goyal, his son Raghav Goyal, and other associates.
Investigators claim that the accused told the complainant that a disproportionate assets complaint had been filed against him and that action by the Vigilance Bureau could follow. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly demanded ₹13 lakh and a costly mobile phone in return for ensuring that the matter was settled and no further proceedings were initiated.
The CBI has alleged that the complaint used to threaten the officer was not genuine and may have been generated using ChatGPT and other digital tools. Investigators believe the document was part of a larger plan to create fear and pressure the officer into paying money.
The allegations have raised concerns because the case involves claims of misuse of anti-corruption mechanisms that are intended to promote accountability and transparency in public administration.
The prosecution argues that such actions, if proven, could damage public trust in institutions responsible for investigating corruption and misconduct.
A major development in the case occurred on May 11 when the CBI conducted a trap operation based on the complainant’s allegations.
According to investigators, co-accused Ankit Wadhwa was caught while allegedly accepting the bribe money and the mobile phone at a hotel in Chandigarh. The CBI claims that the money and phone were being collected on behalf of the other accused.
Following the operation, investigators alleged that Vikas Goyal and Raghav Goyal attempted to leave the area after learning about the trap. They were reportedly intercepted on the Rajpura-Ambala highway. Vikas Goyal was arrested on May 12, while the investigation continued against the remaining accused.
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During the bail hearing, the defence argued that the investigation had largely been completed and that further custodial interrogation of the accused was no longer necessary. The defence also contended that there was no reason to keep the accused in custody because relevant evidence had already been collected.
However, the court did not accept these arguments.
Judge Bhawna Jain stated that the evidence gathered by the CBI so far appears to support the prosecution’s claims at the preliminary stage. The court referred to several forms of evidence that investigators have relied upon during the probe.
According to court observations, the evidence includes WhatsApp conversations, call detail records, recorded audio conversations, CCTV footage, witness statements and forensic analysis of mobile phones seized during the investigation.
The court said these materials prima facie indicate the involvement of the accused in the alleged conspiracy and therefore justified continued custody.
Another important factor considered by the court was the possibility that witnesses could be influenced if the accused were released on bail. Courts often take such concerns into account when deciding bail applications in corruption and conspiracy cases.
The prosecution argued that the accused had connections and influence that could potentially affect witnesses or interfere with the judicial process. The court found these concerns significant enough to weigh against granting bail.
The defence also highlighted the medical condition of Vikas Goyal, stating that he had health-related issues and had received treatment while in judicial custody. It was pointed out that he had been admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chandigarh during his detention.
However, the court observed that the medical records presented did not establish any severe or life-threatening condition that would require bail on humanitarian grounds. The judge noted that necessary medical treatment could continue while the accused remained in custody.
As a result, the bail application was dismissed.
The case remains under investigation by the CBI, which continues to examine the alleged bribery network and the circumstances surrounding the suspected use of a fabricated vigilance complaint. Investigators are expected to further analyse digital evidence, financial records and witness testimonies as they prepare their case.
For now, the court’s decision means that Vikas Goyal will remain in judicial custody while legal proceedings continue. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and all accused individuals are presumed innocent until guilt is established through trial.
The case is likely to remain under close watch due to its unusual allegations involving corruption, extortion and the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence tools in a scheme targeting a public servant.
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