CBI officials said Bhullar was caught accepting Rs. 5 lakh
Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar from Chandigarh has been arrested in connection with an alleged Rs. 8 lakh (£6,700) bribery case.
The CBI’s Chandigarh unit acted on a complaint filed by a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh.
To maintain the independence of the operation, the agency ensured that no Punjab Police personnel on deputation were part of the raiding team.
CBI officials said Bhullar was caught accepting Rs. 5 lakh (£4,200) from the complainant at his Mohali office.
The money was reportedly the first instalment of an Rs. 8 lakh bribe allegedly demanded to “settle” a case and prevent any police action against the dealer’s business.
A middleman, identified as Kirshanu and described as Bhullar’s aide, was also arrested with Rs. 21 lakh (£17,800) in cash. Officials confirmed that the searches and investigation are ongoing.
Following the arrests, the CBI conducted raids at Bhullar’s Sector 40 residence in Chandigarh and several other locations across Punjab.
The searches, which lasted several hours, uncovered approximately Rs. 5 crore (£424,000) in cash, 1.5 kilograms of gold, and documents for over 15 properties.
Investigators also seized keys to luxury cars, including a BMW, Audi and Mercedes, along with 22 high-end watches, several locker keys, 40 litres of imported liquor, and a collection of firearms.
Cash-counting machines were brought in to verify the seized amounts.
CBI officials said: “To maintain the transparency and independence of the search, no Punjab Police officers were part of the raiding party.”
The FIR was based on a complaint by Akash Batta.
Batta alleged that Bhullar, through Kirshanu, demanded regular payments and threatened to register false criminal cases if the payments were not made.
A recorded WhatsApp call dated October 11, 2025, allegedly captured Bhullar instructing his aide to collect Rs. 8 lakh from the complainant. Acting on this evidence, the CBI organised a sting operation, resulting in Bhullar’s arrest.
Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2007-batch IPS officer, currently serves as DIG of the Ropar Range.
He assumed the role on November 27, 2024, after being transferred from Patiala Range.
Previously, he served as Joint Director at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau and as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Jagraon, Mohali and Sangrur.
Known for maintaining a low public profile, Bhullar was actively involved in the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign in Ropar.
He is the son of former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mehal Singh Bhullar.
During his career, he also headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in connection with drug smuggling allegations.
Bhullar is currently in CBI custody and undergoing interrogation in Panchkula as investigations continue into what could become one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Punjab’s police ranks.
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