CBI Punjab Corruption Case: Luxury Cars, Crores in Cash Found

In a shocking turn of events, Punjab IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Ropar range, has reportedly been detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It is for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹8 lakh. It led to a massive public corruption investigation involving crores of uncovered cash, luxury items, and gold.

CBI Operation Results in Major Arrests

Officials said that the CBI orchestrated a sting operation after an alias of Akash Batta and scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib submitted the complaint. Bhullar was arrested inside his office in Mohali while accepting a bribe of ₹8 lakh from his aide, named Kirshanu.

After the arrest of DIG Bhullar, team members of the CBI began to conduct searches. It resulted in the seizure of ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of jewelry, and various luxury items. Officials reported that as of Thursday night, the counting the of cash still had yet to conclude.

The seized assets included car keys from two luxury vehicles. One a Mercedes and one an Audi, 22 luxurious watches, keys from lockers, 40 liters of imported liquor. Weapons to include a pistol, revolver, double-barrel shotgun, and air rifle.

Details from the FIR

According to the FIR filed by the CBI, Bhullar was allegedly demanding monthly bribes from the complainant to “settle” the pending police case — FIR No. 155/2023. It was to ensure that nothing further would be done against the complainant’s firm.

The FIR reads:

“Verification corroborated that DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, through his assistant Kirshanu, demanded ₹8 lakh from the complainant to dispose of the earlier FIR and to confirm no future action would be taken.”

Further evidence was drawn from a WhatsApp conversation between Bhullar and his assistant. In recorded conversation, Bhullar was heard stating, “8 fadne ne 8”. This indicated that he wanted his assistant to arrange for ₹8 lakh right away.

In addition, the most recent chat showed a pattern of Bhullar taking monthly payments. His aid stated, “August da ni aaya, September da ni aaya” suggesting monthly bribes.

Who is Harcharan Singh Bhullar?

DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar took charge of the Ropar range in November 2024 following his position as the DIG of Patiala. He is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar, a veteran officer of the Punjab Police.

Bhullar was acclaimed for his low profile and involved in the anti-drug efforts of the AAP-led government of Punjab, helmed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

He was additionally heading the SIT unit that questioned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a prestigious drug trafficking case.

Editorially and Public Response Constructed

The arrest has sent shock waves through the Punjab Police fraternity and the political space. As Bhullar was considered affiliated with a number of shady senior police officials. It raised new conversations about police corruption and the morality of senior officials.

Public outrage online has been rising with the public calling for punitive and disciplinary action against Bhullar. Political commentators have pointed out the irony of a police official holding a senior rank involved in anti-corruption and anti-drug efforts. So it faced bribery and a connection with ill-gotten wealth.

CBI’s Considered Actions

The CBI has registered a case against Bhullar based on allegations of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act. They are working out the extent of his unlawfully obtained assets and potential connection of accomplices. Also, Officials have begun monitoring property documents seized during the raids with adequate effort on establishing potential benami properties.

The CBI’s action is part of a larger effort to confront police corruption in Punjab. It is a jurisdiction that has faced multiple allegations of bribery and misuse of power in recent times.

Therefore, the case of DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar illustrates a persistent battle against corruption in the system. With the CBI still investigating, the story appears to be among the most dramatic corruption stories in the trending news today and reinforces the public’s demand for increased accountability within police service.