Chandigarh: The noose is tightening around Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who has become the face of one of the most explosive bribery scandals in the state’s recent history. After the CBI unearthed huge piles of cash, gold, luxury watches, and property papers from his premises, the Punjab Home Department has now stepped in — launching a full-scale departmental probe against the senior cop.
The move has sent shockwaves through the police ranks and political circles alike. Sources confirmed that the state government is awaiting the CBI’s full report, which will serve as the basis for disciplinary action and could trigger major shake-ups within the Punjab Police hierarchy.
“The recovery of massive assets from an on-duty DIG is deeply disturbing,” a senior officer admitted. “This case is being closely watched from the top.”
The Bribe That Blew the Lid Off
The case stems from a ₹8 lakh bribe demand allegedly made by DIG Bhullar from scrap dealer Akash Batta — a demand that was routed through Bhullar’s aide and alleged middleman, Krishanu.
According to Batta, Krishanu operated as a broker of extortion, identifying wealthy individuals and alerting Bhullar on how much could be squeezed from them.
“Krishanu first gained my trust,” Batta revealed. “Then he told me the DIG wanted ₹8 lakh — or I’d be framed in a false case. They tried to ruin my life.”
Batta says he refused to bow to pressure and instead approached the authorities. He has now filed a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, pleading for security for himself and his family, fearing retaliation from Bhullar’s men.
“I have faith in the CBI and in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He doesn’t shield corrupt officers,” Batta said. “I will fight till the guilty are punished.”
Raids, Recoveries, and Ripple Effect
The CBI’s statewide raids — covering multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh — revealed a fortune stashed away in Bhullar’s name. The discoveries have added explosive new dimensions to what was initially dismissed by some as a “routine bribery complaint.”
As per sources, the Home Department has ordered a full examination of Bhullar’s service record to uncover any past misconduct or suspicious transactions. The findings will be shared with the Central Government once the CBI report lands.
This case, insiders admit, has rattled the Punjab Police establishment like few others in recent memory.
⚖️ Corruption Crackdown: A Pattern Emerges
The Bhullar case is just the latest entry in a troubling pattern of high-profile corruption scandals in Punjab:
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February 2025: The AAP government dismissed 52 police officials — including an inspector, ASIs, and constables — in a massive anti-corruption sweep.
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January 2022: A Punjab Transport Department director (IAS rank) was caught by the CBI accepting a ₹2 lakh bribe.
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May 2015: A senior IAS officer was arrested for taking an eye-popping ₹6.3 crore bribe, one of the biggest graft cases in Punjab’s history.
️ Government Draws a Hard Line
AAP state spokesperson Baltej Pannu reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning that no official — however powerful — would be spared.
“The AAP government’s stand is clear — corruption will not be tolerated. The CBI is conducting an impartial investigation, and the government will take action once the findings are in,” Pannu said.
He added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration has already proven its commitment by sacking dozens of tainted officials and running a statewide campaign to root out graft from the system.
⚡ A Ticking Bomb Inside Punjab Police
The Bhullar case has shaken confidence in the police force and raised uncomfortable questions about how deep the rot goes within the system. With the CBI’s final report expected soon, insiders say the fallout could be massive, potentially exposing a network of officers complicit in bribery, extortion, and illegal enrichment.
For now, one thing is certain — DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar’s troubles are only beginning, and the entire state police apparatus is on edge.
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