Investigation reveals extensive assets linked to officer amid bribery allegations
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a deputy inspector general of police in Punjab, on allegations of soliciting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh. This incident unfolded in Chandigarh following a complaint from Naresh Batta, a scrap dealer based in Mandi Gobindgarh, located in the Fatehgarh Sahib district. According to reports, Bhullar is accused of demanding illegal monthly payments from Batta, which he allegedly threatened would continue unless certain conditions were met.
As part of the investigation, the CBI revealed that Bhullar was not acting alone. An associate of his was also arrested, with both individuals implicated in a scheme where Bhullar sought a bribe to ‘settle’ a First Information Report (FIR) that had been filed against Batta. The agency indicated that a trap was set for Bhullar, during which he confirmed the arrangement for payment and instructed both the complainant and the middleman to meet him at his office.
Upon executing the operation, the CBI successfully detained Bhullar at his office in Chandigarh, alongside his accomplice. This arrest was part of a broader investigation into corruption within the police force, particularly focusing on the actions of Bhullar, who has held various significant positions within the Punjab Police.
Further investigations into Bhullar’s affairs led to searches conducted at multiple properties associated with him. The CBI’s findings were substantial, revealing Rs 5 crore in cash, approximately 1.5 kilograms of jewellery, and 22 luxury watches. Additionally, the agency discovered documentation relating to immovable assets and properties in Punjab, as well as the keys to two luxury vehicles and 40 litres of imported liquor.
Moreover, the agency unearthed firearms during these searches, which included a pistol, a revolver, an airgun, a double-barrel gun, and corresponding ammunition. Bhullar’s career in law enforcement has been notable; he was appointed to his position in the Ropar Range in November 2024 and is the son of Mehal Singh Bhullar, a former director general of police in Punjab.
His professional background includes roles such as the deputy inspector general of the Patiala Range, joint director of the Vigilance Bureau, and senior superintendent of police in various districts, including Jagraon, Mohali, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna, Hoshiarpur, and Gurdaspur. The allegations against Bhullar are serious, with Batta claiming that Bhullar had threatened him with false criminal charges related to his business if he failed to comply with the payment demands.
Batta also reported that Bhullar had requested a total of Rs 28 lakh, in addition to the monthly illegal payments. To substantiate his claims, Batta provided the CBI with a recording of a WhatsApp call that allegedly took place between Bhullar and his associate, further implicating them in this corruption case.
