ED raids 11 Punjab locations linked to suspended DIG H.S. Bhullar in PMLA probe
Synopsis
The agency indicated that investigators are working to map the full network of property dealers, middlemen, and public servants allegedly connected to the suspended DIG. This is the latest in a series of ED actions targeting alleged financial misconduct by serving and suspended public officials in Punjab.
The case is being closely watched as it involves a senior Punjab Police officer and raises questions about the alleged nexus between law enforcement personnel and property dealers operating through benami transactions. Further developments in the probe are expected as the ED continues to analyse seized documents and financial records.
Key Takeaways
The ED searched 11 locations in Chandigarh , Jalandhar , Ludhiana , and Patiala on 29 April under the PMLA .
The searches targeted premises linked to suspended Punjab Police DIG H.S.
Bhullar , property dealers, and suspected benamidars. ₹1.4 crore was seized and frozen; multiple incriminating documents were recovered.
The probe stems from a CBI FIR alleging illegal gratification demanded by Bhullar through middleman Kirshanu for settlement of a case in Sirhind .
Properties — residential and agricultural — were identified across Chandigarh , Ludhiana , Kapurthala , Mohali , and Zirakpur .
The ED said investigation is ongoing to uncover the full nexus between property dealers, intermediaries, and public servants.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at 11 locations across Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Patiala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), targeting premises linked to suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) H.S. Bhullar, his associates, property dealers, and suspected benamidars, the agency confirmed on Wednesday, 29 April. The searches resulted in the seizure and freezing of ₹1.4 crore along with multiple incriminating documents related to alleged money laundering activities.
Background and Basis of Investigation
The ED's Chandigarh Zonal Office initiated the money laundering probe on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Bhullar. The CBI's FIR stemmed from a complaint filed by one Akash Batta, who alleged that illegal gratification was demanded by Bhullar, then serving as DIG, through his middleman Kirshanu, for settlement of an FIR registered in Sirhind. The demand was allegedly made to ensure that no coercive or adverse police action would be taken against the complainant's scrap business. A separate FIR was also registered against Bhullar in connection with possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
What the ED Found
According to the ED's statement, its investigation revealed that substantial cash deposits and transfers were made in the bank accounts of various property dealers and associated persons — described as suspected benamidars — who had no legitimate source of income commensurate with the scale of their land investments. The agency stated that the pattern and scale of these transactions indicate that large amounts of unaccounted cash were routed through multiple accounts and layered through the bank accounts of these suspected benamidars.
The funds were subsequently allegedly used for the acquisition of properties registered in the names of suspected benamidars. Notably, original property documents were previously seized at Bhullar's residence by the CBI, which the ED said indicated beneficial ownership by the suspended officer.
Properties and Assets Identified
During the searches, evidence relating to multiple properties was recovered and seized. These assets include both residential and agricultural properties located across Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Mohali, and Zirakpur. The ED confirmed that these transactions remain under active investigation. The seizure and freezing of ₹1.4 crore and recovery of incriminating documents mark a significant step in the probe.
ED Statement and Next Steps
The ED said in its official statement:
Point of View
With a senior police officer at the centre. What makes this case particularly significant is the earlier CBI seizure of original property documents from Bhullar's own residence, pointing to direct beneficial ownership despite third-party registrations. Punjab has seen a pattern of senior police officers facing disproportionate assets probes, yet convictions remain rare. The real test of this investigation will be whether the ED can successfully attach and prosecute the full chain — not just freeze cash and documents, but bring the alleged nexus of public servants, dealers, and benamidars to trial.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ED raid locations linked to suspended DIG H.S. Bhullar?
The ED conducted PMLA searches at 11 locations linked to suspended Punjab Police DIG H.S. Bhullar following a CBI FIR alleging that Bhullar demanded illegal gratification through a middleman for settlement of a case in Sirhind. A second FIR against him relates to possession of assets disproportionate to his known income.
What was seized during the ED searches?
The searches resulted in the seizure and freezing of ₹1.4 crore and the recovery of multiple incriminating documents related to alleged money laundering activities. Evidence relating to several residential and agricultural properties was also recovered.
Who are the suspected benamidars in the Bhullar case?
The ED describes the suspected benamidars as property dealers and associated persons in whose names properties were allegedly registered using unaccounted cash routed through multiple bank accounts. The CBI had previously seized original property documents from Bhullar's residence, indicating alleged beneficial ownership by him.
Where are the properties linked to DIG Bhullar located?
The properties identified during the investigation include residential and agricultural assets located across Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Mohali, and Zirakpur in Punjab.
What happens next in the ED investigation against Bhullar?
The ED has stated that further investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of money laundering and to uncover the alleged nexus between property dealers, intermediaries, and public servants associated with Bhullar. Transactions identified during the searches remain under active scrutiny.
