Harcharan Singh Bhullar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab Police, has become the center of a huge controversy after his arrest this week by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on alleged bribery charges.
While the CBI initially arrested Bhullar on Thursday on charges of demanding a ₹The 8 million bribe from the scrap dealer was just the tip of the iceberg.
What did the CBI find?
While investigating Bhullar after his arrest, the CBI found piles of cash ₹5 million, Mercedes and Audi cars, 22 luxury watches, jewelry weighing 1.5 kg and also 40 liters of imported alcohol bottles.
In addition, several firearms were recovered, including one double barrel gun, one pistol, one revolver, one air rifle and live ammunition.
The CBI also found documents related to immovable property and properties in Punjab.
How did Bhullar get caught by the CBI?
This revelation was precipitated by scrap dealer Akash Bhatta, who alleged that Bhullar arranged for a middleman named ‘Kirshanu’ to demand a large bribe from him in addition to recurring bribes to ensure that no police action was taken against his business.
Recurring bribes in the form of monthly payments were allegedly accepted for “settling” the 2023 FIR against the scrap dealer.
After receiving a complaint from Bhatta, the CBI laid a trap and caught Kirshana accepting a bribe on behalf of Bhullar in the act.
“During the entrapment proceedings, a controlled call was made to the civil servant during which he confirmed the payment and directed the intermediary and the complainant to appear in his office. Subsequently, the CBI team detained the civil servant in his office and arrested the other accused in Chandigarh,” the CBI said in a statement.
A case was registered against Bhullar and Kirshanu under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Who is Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
A 2007-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Bhullar took charge as DIG in the Ropar range of Punjab in November 2024.
Before his appointment as DIG of Ropar range, Bhullar was DIG of Patiala range.
During his years of service, Bhullar played an active role in the Bhagwant Mann government’s anti-drug campaign and led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that interrogated Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on charges of drug smuggling.
He is the son of former Punjab DGP Mahal Singh Bhullar.
Harcharan’s brother, Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, is a former Congress MLA.
