Why was Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar sent to Judicial Custody?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar faces serious bribery charges, leading to his 14-day judicial custody. The CBI's findings include a staggering recovery of cash and valuables from his residence, highlighting a major corruption scandal within the police force.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar has been arrested on bribery charges.
- A significant amount of cash and valuables were recovered from his home.
- The CBI is actively investigating the case for further implications.
- The middleman involved was also arrested during the operation.
- This incident raises serious questions about police integrity.
Chandigarh, Oct 17 (NationPress) - A CBI court in Chandigarh has placed Punjab's Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ropar Range, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, under judicial custody for 14 days following his arrest on serious bribery allegations. The authorities uncovered a staggering amount of cash and jewellery, totaling about 1.5 kg, from his residence.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained Bhullar, a senior officer from the 2009 Indian Police Service batch, along with his accomplice, Kirshanu Sharda, after a scrap dealer lodged a complaint. The dealer claimed that DIG Bhullar was soliciting monthly bribes, referred to as “sewa-paani”, to resolve a first information report (FIR) from 2023 against him.
The CBI initiated a case against Bhullar and Sharda based on allegations that Bhullar demanded a bribe of Rs 8 lakh along with ongoing illegal payments through his intermediary to “settle” the FIR and prevent any adverse police actions against the complainant's business.
A sting operation led to the capture of the intermediary while he was in the act of soliciting and receiving Rs 8 lakh from the complainant on behalf of the DIG in Sector 21, Chandigarh. During the operation, a controlled call was made to Bhullar, where he confirmed the transaction and instructed both the middleman and the complainant to visit his office.
Following this, the CBI apprehended Bhullar at his office, leading to the arrest of both individuals in Chandigarh. Subsequent searches across various locations associated with the DIG in Punjab and Chandigarh yielded significant amounts of cash and incriminating items, including approximately Rs 5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of jewellery, documents relating to immovable properties, keys to two luxury vehicles (a Mercedes and an Audi), 22 luxury watches, locker keys, 40 liters of imported liquor, and an assortment of firearms including a double-barrel gun, pistol, revolver, airgun, and ammunition.
The middleman was also found with Rs 21 lakh in cash.
Bullar, the son of former Punjab DGP M.S. Bhullar, previously led a Special Investigation Team in a high-profile drug case involving Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the situation involving DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar. The allegations of bribery and the extensive recovery of assets reflect a concerning trend in corruption within law enforcement. The CBI's swift action emphasizes the need for accountability, and it is crucial for the public to remain informed as this case progresses.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
Harcharan Singh Bhullar faces charges of bribery, having allegedly demanded Rs 8 lakh and ongoing monthly payments to settle legal issues for a complainant.
What was recovered from DIG Bhullar's residence?
The CBI recovered approximately Rs 5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches, imported liquor, and firearms.
Who is the middleman involved in this case?
The middleman, Kirshanu Sharda, was arrested alongside Bhullar for facilitating the bribery transactions.
What action did the CBI take?
The CBI conducted a sting operation that led to the arrest of both Bhullar and the middleman while they were involved in a bribery transaction.
What previous case is Bhullar known for?
Bhullar previously headed a Special Investigation Team in a high-profile drug case related to Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
