Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a fresh case of disproportionate assets (DA) against suspended Punjab IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, marking another major development in the corruption probe that has rocked the state’s police establishment.
Mr Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer and former DIG of Ropar Range, was earlier arrested by the CBI on bribery charges and has now been sent to judicial custody till October 31 by a CBI court in Chandigarh.
CBI Files Fresh Case Under Prevention of Corruption Act
According to officials, the CBI has booked Bhullar under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The case adds to the string of corruption charges already pending against him, making it one of the most high-profile investigations in recent times against a serving senior IPS officer in Punjab.
₹7.5 Crore Cash, Gold, and Luxury Assets Seized
During extensive searches conducted at multiple premises linked to Bhullar, CBI teams reportedly recovered:
- ₹7.5 crore in cash
- 2.5 kilograms of gold
- 26 luxury watches
- Two high-end cars
- 100 litres of premium liquor
- Documents of around 50 immovable properties
Sources said the recoveries pointed to a network of hidden investments and unexplained wealth, now being scrutinized by forensic and financial experts.
Bribery Allegations Sparked the Investigation
The CBI investigation stems from a complaint filed on October 11 by Akash Batta, a resident of Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab. Batta alleged that Bhullar, through a middleman named Kirshanu, demanded a bribe of ₹8 lakh to “settle” an FIR lodged against him at Police Station Sirhind and ensure no coercive action against his scrap business.
The CBI verification team, led by Sub-Inspector Sachin Singh of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Chandigarh, confirmed the allegations through a recorded WhatsApp call between Bhullar and the middleman, in which Bhullar allegedly instructed the collection of the bribe.
CBI Confirms Bribe Demand Through Digital Evidence
The call recording, verified to have originated from Bhullar’s registered number, captured him agreeing to the ₹8 lakh payment and even demanding recurring monthly “sewa-paani” payments from the complainant.
Following this verification, the CBI laid a trap and subsequently arrested both Bhullar and his aide. Around ₹21 lakh was also recovered from the middleman during the operation.
Bhullar Denies Allegations
While being taken to court, Bhullar denied all charges, stating, “Totally wrong allegations have been levelled against me.”
When asked if he was being framed, he replied, “Absolutely.”
Bhullar’s counsel, Advocate H.S. Dhanoa, confirmed that his client has been remanded to judicial custody till October 31 and said they will challenge the CBI’s claims in court.
A Growing Scandal in Punjab’s Police Ranks
This case marks a rare instance where a serving IPS officer faces simultaneous charges of bribery and disproportionate assets. Bhullar’s arrest has triggered discussions within law enforcement circles about transparency, internal vigilance, and the integrity of high-ranking officers in the state.
The CBI continues to examine his property documents and digital records to identify potential benami transactions and financial irregularities.
Key Details at a Glance
- Officer: Harcharan Singh Bhullar, 2009-batch IPS, former DIG Ropar Range
- Charges: Disproportionate assets, bribery under Prevention of Corruption Act & BNS 2023
- Cash Seized: ₹7.5 crore
- Other Recoveries: 2.5 kg gold, luxury watches, cars, liquor, 50 property documents
- Judicial Custody Till: October 31, 2025
- Complainant: Akash Batta, Mandi Gobindgarh resident
Read also: Punjab IPS Officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar Faces New FIR Over Liquor Seizure at Samrala Farmhouse
