A Stunning Scandal Unfolds
In a dramatic turn that has rocked Punjab’s police establishment, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2009-batch Indian Police Service officer, for allegedly demanding and accepting bribes. What began as an ₹8 lakh extortion case quickly spiraled into revelations of extraordinary unexplained wealth — including ₹5 crore in cash, gold, high-end vehicles, and luxury watches — unearthed during CBI raids at his residences in Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh.
The case has drawn national attention, not only because of the scale of corruption but also because Bhullar is the son of former Punjab DGP M.S. Bhullar, a once-respected figure in state policing.
The Complaint That Exposed a Network
The case originated from a written complaint filed by scrap dealer Akash Batta in Fatehgarh Sahib, who accused DIG Bhullar of threatening to falsely implicate him in a criminal case unless he paid an initial bribe of ₹8 lakh, followed by regular “monthly settlements.” The payments, according to the complaint, were to be routed through a private intermediary named Krishna (alias Kirshanu), who allegedly acted as Bhullar’s conduit for collecting money.
A CBI First Information Report (FIR) was registered following preliminary verification. Acting swiftly, investigators laid a trap operation in Sector 21, Chandigarh, where Krishna was caught red-handed while accepting the ₹8 lakh payment. Immediately afterward, a controlled phone call between the complainant and Bhullar confirmed the officer’s direct involvement — Bhullar reportedly acknowledged the bribe and instructed both men to visit his office.
WhatsApp Evidence Seals the Case
The CBI unearthed damning audio evidence through recorded WhatsApp calls between Bhullar and Krishna. In one such conversation, the DIG is clearly heard instructing his aide to “collect ₹8 lakh” from the complainant, and to remind him of “pending payments for August and September.” These recordings left little room for doubt about the ongoing pattern of bribery.
The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch team, led by Sub-Inspector Sachin Singh, formally arrested both men soon after gathering corroborating evidence. The scandal deepened as investigators began tracing the financial and property trail behind Bhullar’s activities.
Raids Reveal Unimaginable Wealth
CBI raids across Bhullar’s multiple premises produced staggering recoveries. From safes, cupboards, and hidden compartments emerged:
· ₹5 crore in cash (counting still underway)
· 1.5 kilograms of gold and jewellery
· Documents for multiple properties across Punjab
· Keys to Mercedes and Audi cars
· 22 luxury watches and locker keys
· 40 litres of imported liquor
· Firearms, including a pistol, revolver, shotgun, and airgun
An additional ₹21 lakh was recovered from the home of the middleman Krishna, further strengthening the corruption case.
A Once-Rising Career Now in Ruins
DIG Bhullar’s downfall is particularly striking given his once-promising career. Having served in key posts — including DIG of Patiala Range, Joint Director of Vigilance Bureau, and SSP in several districts — he was regarded as a tough officer who led high-profile investigations.
In 2021, Bhullar headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing drug trafficking allegations against SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia. His assertive approach in that case made headlines, though critics accused him of heavy-handed methods and controversial conduct.
In November 2024, he took charge as DIG, Ropar Range, overseeing Mohali, Ropar, and Fatehgarh Sahib — the same region where his corruption case would eventually unravel.
A Lesson in Accountability
The CBI’s exposé of DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar’s alleged bribery network underscores a sobering truth — no rank is immune to scrutiny. What began as a local businessman’s plea for justice has evolved into one of Punjab’s most startling corruption cases, revealing how greed can corrode even the highest echelons of public service.
As investigations continue into Bhullar’s wealth and potential money laundering links, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that integrity remains the cornerstone of public trust. For the police force and the state, the road ahead must focus on institutional transparency and internal vigilance — to ensure that the badge of law enforcement never again becomes a shield for corruption.
(With agency inputs)
