Ludhiana, November 30, 2025 — Suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar of the Punjab Police’s Ropar Range finds himself at the centre of a widening corruption scandal as multiple central and state agencies intensify investigations into bribery, disproportionate assets, and money laundering.
The Bribery Trap
The case came to light on October 16 when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Bhullar along with alleged middleman Krishanu Sharda. The duo allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹8 lakh from Akash Batta, a scrap dealer based in Mandi Gobindgarh. The arrest marked the beginning of what would become one of Punjab’s most significant corruption cases involving a senior police officer.
Staggering Seizures
In a dramatic raid at Bhullar’s Sector 40 residence following his arrest, CBI officials made shocking discoveries that expanded the scope of the investigation. The haul included ₹7.5 crore in cash, 2.5 kilograms of gold, and documents related to several benami (illegally held) properties.
The sheer scale of the assets recovered prompted the CBI to register a separate case of disproportionate assets against the senior IPS officer, raising questions about the sources of his unexplained wealth.
Three-Pronged Investigation
Bhullar now faces scrutiny from multiple investigative agencies:
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The premier investigative agency is leading the primary corruption probe and has nearly completed preparations for filing a charge sheet in the bribery case. Sources indicate the charge sheet could be presented in the special CBI court before December 15. The agency has also reached the final stages of its investigation into the disproportionate assets case.
Enforcement Directorate (ED): Based on the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR), the ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The financial intelligence agency is conducting a thorough investigation into Bhullar’s bank accounts, financial transactions, and property holdings to trace the money trail.
Punjab Vigilance Bureau: The state anti-corruption agency has launched its own parallel investigation into the matter, examining potential violations of state service rules and conduct regulations.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
With Bhullar currently suspended from service, the trial in the corruption case is set to commence next month in a special CBI court. Legal experts suggest that the convergence of investigations by central and state agencies signals the gravity of the allegations and could result in a protracted legal battle.
The case is expected to intensify further once the charge sheet is formally filed, potentially revealing additional details about the alleged corruption network and the extent of illegal asset accumulation.
Implications for Punjab Police
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the Punjab Police force, raising serious concerns about systemic corruption within senior ranks. DIG Bhullar’s case represents one of the most significant corruption investigations involving a high-ranking police official in recent years.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on how a serving police officer allegedly amassed wealth far beyond his known sources of income, and whether others were involved in the alleged corruption network.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for anti-corruption measures within Punjab’s law enforcement agencies.
This is a developing story. More details are expected to emerge as the charge sheet is filed and legal proceedings commence.
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