India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer posted in Punjab’s Ropar Range, in connection with a high-profile corruption case. The investigation, which began with a bribe demand of Rs 8 lakh (approximately CAD 13,000), has uncovered unexplained assets worth millions, including about Rs 5 crore (CAD 830,000) in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and expensive watches.
Bhullar was arrested along with a private associate identified as Krishna, who allegedly acted as his intermediary. According to the CBI, the officer had been collecting recurring payments from a local businessman in exchange for “settling” a criminal case, using Krishna as a conduit.
The case began with a written complaint from scrap dealer Akash Batta in Fatehgarh Sahib, who alleged that DIG Bhullar was threatening to implicate him in a false case unless he paid an initial bribe of Rs 8 lakh, followed by monthly installments. The FIR stated that Krishna repeatedly contacted the complainant to demand payments, reminding him of missed “August” and “September” dues.
After verifying the complaint, the CBI launched a sting operation in Chandigarh’s Sector 21. Krishna was caught red-handed accepting Rs 8 lakh from the complainant on Bhullar’s behalf. A subsequent controlled call recorded Bhullar acknowledging the payment and summoning both men to his office. Acting on this evidence, the CBI arrested Bhullar from his office in Mohali soon after.
CBI officials conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Bhullar in Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh. Investigators reportedly recovered Rs 5 crore in cash, about 1.5 kilograms of gold jewellery, property documents, and two luxury cars—a Mercedes and an Audi. They also found 22 designer wristwatches, locker keys, imported liquor, and several firearms, including a shotgun and revolver.
From Krishna’s residence, CBI officers seized another Rs 21 lakh (CAD 3,500) in cash. Both accused are set to appear before a special court in Chandigarh.
DIG Bhullar has held several key postings, including DIG Patiala Range and Joint Director of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. He previously led the Special Investigation Team that investigated drug trafficking allegations against Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
Appointed DIG of the Ropar Range in November 2024, Bhullar oversaw the districts of Mohali, Rupnagar, and Fatehgarh Sahib. He is the son of former Punjab DGP M.S. Bhullar.
Officials said the CBI is continuing its investigation to determine the full extent of Bhullar’s assets and potential links to money laundering.
