CBI arrests Punjab DIG Harcharan Bhullar in 'bribery' case; Rs 5 crore cash, 1.5 kg gold, high-end watches seized

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar from Chandigarh in connection with Rs 8 lakh alleged bribery case.

The 2009-batch IPS officer Bhullar has been serving as the DIG (Ropar Range).

Sources said one more private individual was also taken into custody by CBI sleuths in the case.

Besides Bhullar’s office, his residence and a farmhouse in Khanna were also searched, they added. He was reportedly taken to Panchkula and later brought back.

Sources revealed that the CBI Chandigarh acted on a complaint filed by a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh. The CBI team ensured that no Punjab Police personnel on deputation were part of the raiding party.

Senior police officials remained tightlipped about the development.

CBI conducted a raid at  Bhullar’s Sector 40 residence, uncovering a vast array of luxury items and assets. The search operation, which lasted several hours, revealed Rs 5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold, keys to luxury cars, including BMW and Audi, documents related to properties in Punjab, 22 high-end watches, 40 litres of imported alcohol, and a double-barrelled gun, pistol, revolver, and air gun, along with ammunition.

Additionally, Kirshanu, allegedly Bhullar’s aide, was caught with Rs 21 lakh in cash. CBI officials stated that the searches and investigation are ongoing. Cash counting machines were brought in to tally the seized amount.

Bhullar is set to be produced in a special court tomorrow.

Bhullar joined as Ropar Range DIG on November 27, 2024. Prior to this, he was posted as Patiala Range DIG. Known for maintaining a low-key profile, he was actively involved in the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” anti-drug campaign in the Ropar Range.

He is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar. He also headed the Special Investigation Team that questioned Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia on drug smuggling charges.