From correspondents in Punjab, India, 12:32 AM IST

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday registered a corruption case against a top Punjab industrialist, the management of a multiplex and officials of the Chandigarh administration for conniving in giving completion certificate to the multiplex despite major violations in its structure.

The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and criminal conspiracy against industrialist Kewal Singh Dhillon, who is also a senior Punjab Congress leader, and others in connection with the construction of the city's only multiplex - Dhillon Fun Republic.

The multiplex building is owned by Dhillon and leased out to Fun Republic cinemas for running the multiplex.

CBI officials raided Dhillon's office, located in his bungalow in the upscale Sector 9 area, as well as the multiplex complex in Mani Majra here to seize documents.

Others booked in this case are officials from the Fun Republic management and officials of the building branch of Chandigarh administration.

All of them have been accused of conniving in giving completion certificates to the multiplex building to make it operational despite major violation in its structure and interior norms.

Dhillon, one of the better known industrialists in Punjab and Chandigarh, has varied multi-million business interests in real estate, entertainment and soft drinks. He was, till recently, the regional franchisee for soft drink giant Pepsi.

The industrialist had recently contested on a Congress party ticket from Barnala assembly seat in the state's Feb 13 assembly poll. The result of the poll will come Feb 27. He is also a vice president of the state Congress.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)