Papers of 50 properties linked to Punjab DIG, Rs 7.5 crore, 2.5 kg gold seized so far

In one of the biggest corruption crackdowns in Punjab’s police ranks, the CBI has unearthed papers related to over 50 properties, besides a staggering trail of cash, gold, luxury watches, liquor and firearms during searches on the premises of arrested DIG (Ropar Range) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2009-batch Punjab-cadre IPS officer, and his associate middleman, Kirshanu Sharda.

Related news: ‘8 fadne ne 8’: Damning WhatsApp call recording that ‘captures’ Punjab DIG ordering middleman to collect ‘bribe’

DIG Harcharan Bhullar's arrest indicates rampant corruption in top ranks: Punjab Governor

The searches, carried out at multiple locations in Chandigarh and Punjab following their arrest on Thursday evening, led to the recovery of Rs 7.5 crore, 2.5 kg of gold jewellery, 26 luxury watches, including Rolex and Rado, four firearms with 100 live cartridges and documents related to more than 50 immovable properties allegedly held in the names of Bhullar’s family members and suspected benami entities.

The CBI also seized locker keys, details of several bank accounts and Rs 5.7 lakh along with 108 liquor bottles and 17 live cartridges from Bhullar’s farmhouse in Samrala near Ludhiana. From the residence of the alleged middleman Kirshanu Sharda, Rs 21 lakh and several incriminating documents were recovered.

Both Bhullar and Sharda were today remanded in judicial custody till October 31.

According to the CBI’s case, registered under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, DIG Bhullar had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 4 lakh and monthly illegal gratification through Sharda for “settling” an FIR registered against the complainant. The verification process revealed that the demand had later escalated to Rs 8 lakh.

Both Bhullar and Sharda were arrested around 8 pm on October 16 in Chandigarh in the presence of independent witnesses. The CBI said all mandatory legal formalities were followed, and their medical examination was conducted at the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh. Family members were informed of the arrests.

A CBI team had earlier laid a trap the same day after verifying the bribery demand. Sharda was caught red-handed while taking Rs 5 lakh, part of the total Rs 8 lakh, from the complainant on behalf of Bhullar. The tainted bribe money was recovered from his possession in the presence of witnesses. During the trap, Sharda allegedly confessed that he was collecting the money on Bhullar’s instructions. A subsequent controlled call between the two was recorded, in which Bhullar acknowledged receipt of the Rs 5 lakh and asked Sharda to bring the complainant and the remaining bribe amount to his office.

During verification on October 11 at the Sector 9-D market in Chandigarh, the CBI recorded a WhatsApp call in which Bhullar allegedly directed Sharda to collect Rs 8 lakh, saying “8 fadne ne 8” and “Jinna denda nal nal fadi chal, ohnu kehde 8 kar de pura.” Sharda later told the complainant, “Edda kehna pata ki hai... kehnda hai August da ni aaya, September da ni aaya,” implying the DIG was demanding monthly payments. The mobile number used in the call was verified as belonging to DIG Bhullar. The recorded conversation and verification established the bribery demand, leading to registration of the CBI case.

The CBI has expressed strong apprehension that being a senior police officer, Bhullar, if released, may influence or intimidate witnesses, tamper with or destroy crucial evidence or otherwise obstruct the fair and impartial course of investigation. “The investigation is at a crucial and nascent stage. Several material witnesses remain to be examined, and the process of verifying documentary and financial evidence is ongoing,” the federal agency said, while adding that the searches were part of the continuing investigation aimed at uncovering the full extent of the alleged corruption and misconduct.

The case was registered on October 16 by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, Chandigarh, based on a written complaint dated October 11 by Akash Batta. The complaint was followed by verification confirming that DIG Bhullar, through his middleman, had demanded bribes and monthly payoffs for not taking coercive police action against the complainant’s business. Both accused were produced before the CBI Special Judge in Chandigarh, where the agency sought 14-day judicial custody and the same was granted by the court.