The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Punjab Police DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who was posted in the Ropar Range, for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹8 lakh to “settle” a criminal case. The agency also arrested his alleged middleman from Bhullar’s office in Mohali during the operation.
Key Facts of the Case
According to the CBI, the case was initiated based on a complaint filed by Akash Batta, a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib. Batta alleged that DIG Bhullar threatened to implicate him in a false case unless he paid a bribe of ₹8 lakh.
Investigations revealed that Bhullar, through his associate Kirshanu (also known as Krishna), demanded the money to “settle” an FIR (No. 155/2023) registered at Sirhind Police Station and to prevent further harassment of the complainant’s business.
The CBI also uncovered that Bhullar allegedly demanded recurring monthly payments, locally referred to as “sewa-paani”, in addition to the one-time bribe.
A WhatsApp call recorded by investigators captured Bhullar instructing his associate to collect the full ₹8 lakh from the complainant. Acting on the evidence, the CBI laid a trap and caught the middleman red-handed while accepting the bribe in Sector 21, Chandigarh. Bhullar was subsequently detained and arrested from his Mohali office.
Seizure of Assets
During subsequent searches at Bhullar’s residences and offices, the CBI made massive recoveries, including:
- ₹5 crore in cash
- 1.5 kilograms of gold and jewellery
- Two luxury cars — a Mercedes and an Audi
- 22 designer wristwatches
- 40 litres of imported liquor
- Multiple firearms and ammunition, including a pistol, revolver, and double-barrel gun
From the middleman’s residence, the CBI also seized an additional ₹21 lakh in cash. Officials said the total value of recovered assets could rise as the verification process continues.
Officer’s Background
Harcharan Singh Bhullar is a 2007-batch IPS officer, originally from the Punjab Police Service (PPS). He assumed charge as DIG, Ropar Range, in November 2024.
Bhullar is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar and has served in several key positions, including DIG Patiala Range, Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau, and Superintendent of Police in various districts.
Notably, he also led a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that had questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a high-profile drug trafficking case.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The CBI has registered a case under:
- Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended)
Both Bhullar and his associate have been taken into custody and are expected to be presented before a special CBI court in Chandigarh.
Investigations are ongoing to trace additional undeclared assets and examine possible links to money laundering or misuse of official position.
