In a significant development concerning alleged corruption, Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The arrest stems from an alleged demand for a bribe amounting to ₹8 lakh, which was reportedly made through a private middleman to settle a police case and protect a businessman’s interests. This high-profile arrest has exposed a hidden trove of assets, revealing a lifestyle that starkly contrasts with public service, including luxury cars like Mercedes and Audi, substantial cash reserves, gold jewelry, and imported liquor.
During searches conducted at various locations associated with DIG Bhullar across Punjab and Chandigarh, the CBI uncovered an extensive collection of valuable items. The recovered assets include approximately 1.5 kilograms of gold jewelry, documents related to significant immovable properties and assets within Punjab, keys to luxury vehicles, locker keys, a substantial quantity of imported liquor (40 liters), and several firearms along with ammunition. The recovery from the middleman alone included ₹21 lakh in cash.
The FIR and Complaint
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered by the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Chandigarh. The case is being investigated under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The investigation was initiated following a complaint received on October 11 from Akash Batta, a resident of Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Batta alleged that DIG Bhullar, with the assistance of an aide named Kirshanu, had demanded a bribe to resolve an FIR registered at the Sirhind Police Station and to prevent any coercive actions against Batta’s scrap business.
The unearthed assets, including an estimated ₹5 crore in cash that was still being counted at the time of reporting, highlight the seriousness of the corruption allegations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to curb corruption within law enforcement agencies.