Chandigarh: In a dramatic operation that has sent shockwaves through Punjab’s law enforcement establishment, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, 2007 batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre, on Thursday afternoon from his Mohali office.
The senior IPS officer was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh in a meticulously planned trap operation by the premier investigating agency.
The IPS Harcharan Singh Bhullar Arrest: How CBI Nabbed the DIG
The CBI acted on a complaint filed by a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib district. According to sources, Bhullar allegedly demanded a substantial amount of money to settle a case and summoned the complainant to his Mohali office to collect the first installment.
The arrest took place at a hotel in Mohali, where the DIG of Ropar Range was apprehended while accepting the bribe amount. CBI officials ensured that no Punjab Police personnel on deputation were part of the raiding party to maintain the operation’s integrity.
Following the arrest, the investigating agency conducted extensive searches at multiple locations, including Bhullar’s office, residence, and one other location connected to the case. One more private individual was also taken into custody by CBI officials.
Monthly Bribery Racket: The Larger Picture
What makes this case particularly grave is the alleged systematic nature of corruption. Sources reveal that the 2007-batch IPS officer was allegedly accepting a monthly bribe of ₹5 lakh from a businessman involved in illegal car trade activities.
Official sources indicated that Bhullar was receiving installment payments from various individuals and companies on a regular basis. The current arrest relates to one of multiple bribery complaints against the senior officer.
The complainant claimed the bribe amount was initially set at ₹2 lakh but was subsequently increased to ₹5 lakh per month in exchange for allowing illegal car business operations to continue.
Who is IPS Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
IPS Harcharan Singh Bhullar comes from a distinguished police family with deep roots in Punjab’s law enforcement history. His father, Mehal Singh Bhullar, served as Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab and earned recognition for his role in anti-terrorism operations during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s.
His younger brother, Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, is a former Congress MLA, establishing the family’s presence in both policing and politics.
Distinguished Career Trajectory of IPS Harcharan Singh Bhullar
The 2007-batch IPS officer had built an impressive career spanning various districts across Punjab. Before his posting as DIG of Ropar Range on November 27, 2024, Bhullar served in multiple capacities:
- DIG, Patiala Range – Prior to Ropar posting
- DIG, PAP (Punjab Armed Police)
- Joint Director, Vigilance Bureau
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Jagraon (Ludhiana Rural), Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and SAS Nagar (Mohali)
IPS Harcharan Singh Bhullar known for maintaining a low-key profile. He was actively involved in the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs) anti-drug campaign in the Ropar Range.
High-Profile Investigations and Ironic Twist
In a bitter irony, Bhullar headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that questioned Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia on drug smuggling charges. The officer who once investigated high-profile corruption cases now finds himself on the wrong side of the law.
During his tenure in the Ropar Range, several cases of illegal car trade were uncovered, where scrap vehicles were being sold after having their chassis numbers tampered with. These very operations may have formed the basis of the alleged bribery racket.
Reactions and Political Fallout
The arrest has stunned many within the police department, as Bhullar was long regarded as a disciplined and upright officer with an uncompromising stance against crime.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Punjab, has maintained that the case will be handled with complete transparency. Party spokesperson Baltej Pannu stated, “Corruption will not be tolerated at any cost,” emphasizing that a thorough inquiry would follow.
Senior police officials have remained tight-lipped about the development, reflecting the sensitive nature of the case involving a high-ranking officer from an influential family.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The arrested DIG was produced before a CBI court in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. The CBI Chandigarh unit is conducting the investigation, with further interrogations expected to reveal more details about the extent of the alleged corruption network.
The agency is examining evidence recovered during searches to establish the full scope of the bribery allegations and identify any other individuals involved in the racket.
Ropar Range Under Scrutiny
The Ropar Range, which includes Mohali, Ropar, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts, is now under intense scrutiny following this high-profile arrest. Questions are being raised about oversight mechanisms and accountability within Punjab’s policing system.
The case has sparked uncomfortable questions about internal accountability mechanisms and how such alleged corruption could continue undetected despite the officer’s high-profile position.
What This Means for Punjab Police
This arrest represents a significant embarrassment for Punjab Police, particularly given Bhullar’s pedigree and the reputation he had built over his career. The case underscores the challenges of maintaining integrity within law enforcement agencies, especially when officers from influential families are involved.
The CBI’s action sends a strong message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position, family background, or past achievements in service.
Investigation Continues
The CBI investigation is ongoing, with officials working to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption network. Further arrests and revelations are expected as the probe deepens.
The agency is particularly interested in tracing the money trail and identifying other officials or civilians who may have been part of the alleged bribery system.
This developing story has shocked Punjab’s administrative and law enforcement circles, marking one of the most significant corruption arrests of a senior police officer in recent times.
