Why Did the CBI Court Extend the Custody of Suspended Punjab Police DIG Bhullar by 14 Days?
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Synopsis
The ongoing investigation into suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar has taken a new turn as a CBI court extends his custody. Detained for allegedly accepting a bribe, this case exposes significant issues of corruption within law enforcement. What more will the CBI uncover as they delve deeper into Bhullar's financial dealings?
Key Takeaways
- Judicial custody of DIG Bhullar extended by 14 days.
- Allegations of bribery and disproportionate assets against him.
- Seizures include large sums of cash and luxury items.
- Investigation reveals serious corruption issues within law enforcement.
- Public trust in police integrity is at stake.
Chandigarh, Oct 31 (NationPress) A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh has decided to extend the judicial custody of the suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar for an additional 14 days. Bhullar was apprehended on charges of allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from a scrap dealer.
He has also been implicated in a case regarding the accumulation of disproportionate assets.
Following the completion of his initial 14-day custody, Bhullar was presented before the court via video link from Burail jail.
The CBI apprehended Bhullar, who held the position of Ropar Range DIG, on October 16, alongside a middleman named Krishanu Sharda. They stand accused of accepting a bribe from scrap dealer Akash Batta, who is also the complainant in this case.
During a search operation at Bhullar's residence in Chandigarh, the CBI uncovered cash exceeding Rs 7.36 crore, jewelry valued at over Rs 2.32 crore, and 26 high-end watches, in addition to documents relating to nearly 50 properties owned by his family.
Sharda was detained in Chandigarh, while DIG Bhullar was taken into custody at his office in Mohali shortly thereafter.
An additional FIR concerning the accumulation of disproportionate assets was registered against DIG Bhullar following a complaint from Inspector Sonal Mishra.
This complaint outlines allegations tied to a prior case in which Bhullar was charged with soliciting and receiving an illegal gratification of Rs 5 lakh, as stated by the CBI.
The CBI has also seized documents pertaining to two properties in Chandigarh and agricultural land spanning around 150 acres in Mohali, Hoshiarpur, and Ludhiana, along with commercial properties.
The complaint alleges that the assets recovered from Bhullar are disproportionate to his known sources of income, indicating that he illicitly enriched himself during the period from August 1 to October 17.
According to the income tax return filed by Bhullar for the assessment year 2024-25, his total declared annual income from all known sources amounts to Rs 45.95 lakh. However, the value of the assets recovered and properties associated with his family is estimated to be in the several crores, as per the FIR.
Point of View
We must emphasize the importance of upholding integrity within our law enforcement agencies. The allegations against DIG Bhullar raise serious questions about corruption and accountability in the Punjab Police. It is crucial that thorough investigations are conducted to restore public trust.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from a scrap dealer, which initiated a larger investigation into his financial activities.
What assets were recovered from Bhullar?
The CBI recovered cash exceeding Rs 7.36 crore, jewelry valued at over Rs 2.32 crore, and numerous properties linked to his family during the investigation.
What is the current status of Bhullar's custody?
The CBI court has extended Bhullar's judicial custody by 14 days as the investigation continues.
Who is involved in this case alongside Bhullar?
The middleman, Krishanu Sharda, was also arrested in connection with the bribe accepted from the scrap dealer Akash Batta.
What are the implications of these allegations?
These allegations highlight significant concerns about corruption within the Punjab Police and the need for accountability in public service.
