CBI Arrests Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar In Rs 8 Lakh Bribery Case

Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dramatically arrested Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar in connection with a corruption case allegedly involving an Rs 8 lakh bribe. According to reports, Bhullar, currently posted as DIG Ropar Range, was arrested on charges of demanding a bribe of Rs 8 lakh from a businessman to settle a police case. The arrest has shocked the state's law enforcement establishment, raising questions about the integrity of those entrusted with maintaining law and order.

According to sources, the CBI's Chandigarh unit acted on a complaint filed by a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib, who alleged that Bhullar had demanded a bribe to settle a case. The complainant claimed that the DIG had demanded recurring monthly payments, referred to as ‘sewa-paani’, and had threatened to falsely implicate him in business-related criminal cases if he failed to comply. The CBI conducted a sting operation, and Bhullar was caught red-handed accepting the bribe.

Bhullar, a 2007-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, had built a reputation as a disciplined and upright officer. He had served in various key positions, including DIG of Patiala Range and Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau. His arrest has come as a shock to many in the police department, where he was known for his tough stance against crime and corruption.

The CBI conducted extensive searches at multiple locations connected to Bhullar, including his office, residence, and other properties. The agency has seized documents and digital evidence, which are being analysed to ascertain the extent of the alleged corruption. The CBI has also taken a private individual, allegedly a middleman, into custody.

The CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Chandigarh registered a case against Bhullar and another person under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to the FIR lodged by the CBI, the complainant, Akash Batta, a resident of Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district, alleged that Bhullar, through his aide Kirshanu, demanded illegal gratification to settle an FIR registered against him at Police Station Sirhind and ensure that no coercive action was taken against his scrap business. 

CBI's Search Recovers Rs 5 Crore Cash And Jewellery

The CBI's investigation revealed that during a verification exercise, a recorded WhatsApp call between the middleman and Bhullar was captured, in which Bhullar instructed his aide to collect Rs 8 lakh from the complainant. The number used in the conversation was verified to be registered in Bhullar's name. The CBI's inquiry confirmed the demand and agreement for illegal gratification, leading to Bhullar's arrest.

During a search of the premises linked to the case, the CBI recovered substantial cash and other assets, including Rs 5 crore, jewellery weighing about 1.5 kg, documents pertaining to immovable properties and assets in Punjab, keys of two luxury vehicles (Mercedes and Audi), 22 luxury watches, locker keys, 40 litres of imported liquor bottles, firearms, and ammunition. A sum of Rs 21 lakh cash was also recovered from the middleman.

Both accused have been arrested and will be produced before the designated court on October 17. The CBI has entrusted the case to Inspector Sonal Mishra of the ACB, Chandigarh, for further investigation. A copy of the FIR has been forwarded to the Special Judge (CBI), Chandigarh, with a request that it not be uploaded on the CBI website until searches in connection with the case are completed.