Punjab IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ropar Range, has been caught by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly taking monthly bribes from a businessman in Fatehgarh Sahib.
CBI Catches Bhullar Red-Handed
Officials said the CBI team laid a trap after receiving a complaint.
Bhullar was caught red-handed in his Mohali office while accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh through his aide Kirshanu.
During the raid, visuals showed bags of cash and jewellery inside his office and home.
According to the CBI, officials recovered:
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₹5 crore in cash (counting still underway)
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1.5 kg of jewellery
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Documents related to immovable properties in Punjab
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Keys to Mercedes and Audi cars
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22 luxury watches and 40 bottles of imported liquor
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Several firearms, including a pistol, revolver, and airgun
What the FIR Reveals
As per the FIR accessed by Hindustan Times, the case began after scrap businessman Akash Batta alleged that DIG Bhullar demanded Rs 8 lakh to “settle” a previous case (FIR No. 155/2023) and stop police action against his business.
A recorded WhatsApp call between Bhullar and his aide confirmed the demand.
During the verification, Bhullar can be heard saying, “8 fadne ne 8” — directing his aide to collect Rs 8 lakh.
The middleman later told the complainant that the officer demanded monthly bribes, saying, “August da ni aaya, September da ni aaya,” suggesting the payments were recurring every month.
The CBI verified that the phone number used belonged to DIG Bhullar.
Who Is DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
DIG Bhullar joined as Deputy Inspector General of Ropar Range on November 27, 2024.
He had earlier served as DIG of Patiala Range and is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar.
Bhullar was known for maintaining a low profile and played a key role in the AAP government’s anti-drug campaign under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
He had also headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that questioned SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug smuggling case.
What Happens Next
CBI sources said Bhullar was taken into custody for questioning. Further investigation is underway to trace his assets and the full scope of the alleged bribery network.
The CBI has sealed multiple lockers and properties linked to the officer. Officials said the total cash recovery could exceed Rs 5 crore once counting is complete.
