Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 17: In a major development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested senior IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ropar Range in Punjab, in connection with a corruption case involving bribe demands and unaccounted wealth worth crores of rupees.
DIG Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer, was taken into custody along with a private individual identified as Krishna, who allegedly acted as his middleman. According to the CBI, the officer was caught demanding and accepting bribes to settle a criminal case filed against a businessman, and had allegedly sought recurring monthly payments.
The case was registered after a complaint by scrap dealer Akash Batta from Fatehgarh Sahib, who alleged that the DIG demanded Rs 8 lakh as an initial bribe and additional monthly payments to avoid being implicated in a fabricated case. The payments were reportedly routed through Krishna, who constantly pressured the complainant.
Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap in Chandigarh’s Sector 21, where Krishna was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 8 lakh from the complainant on behalf of the DIG. During a controlled call arranged by officials, DIG Bhullar was heard acknowledging receipt of the money and asking the complainant to visit his office. Following this, the CBI arrested both Bhullar and Krishna from Mohali.
Subsequent searches at Bhullar’s residences and offices in Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh led to the recovery of approximately Rs 5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold and jewellery, property documents, two luxury cars – a Mercedes and an Audi – 22 premium wristwatches, imported liquor, and firearms including a revolver and a shotgun. An additional Rs 21 lakh in cash was seized from Krishna’s house.
CBI officials said both accused will be produced before the court on Friday. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the assets and identify possible money laundering links.
DIG Bhullar has previously held key positions in Punjab, including DIG Patiala Range, Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau, and SSP of several districts. He also headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed the drug trafficking case involving Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Bhullar, who assumed charge as DIG Ropar Range in November 2024, is the son of former Punjab DGP M.S. Bhullar.