The revelations from a CBI raid on a Punjab DIG's residence have left everyone astounded. The CBI apprehended Ropar Range DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar red-handed for accepting bribery.
During their search, they uncovered 75 million rupees in cash, approximately 2.5 kilograms of gold jewelry, 26 luxury watches from brands like Rolex and Rado, four weapons, 17 cartridges, 108 bottles of foreign liquor, keys to Mercedes and Audi cars, bank account documents, and records of 50 anonymous properties.
The CBI intervened just as DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar was accepting an eight lakh bribe in his Mohali office from a scrap dealer. The dealer alleged that the DIG had promised to resolve a previous case against him in exchange for monthly payments.
Akash Batta, a scrap dealer from Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district, informed the CBI about a November 2023 FIR against him, which was allegedly used as leverage for bribery through intermediaries.
To verify the complaint, the CBI set a trap. Communication via WhatsApp calls between the DIG and his intermediaries confirmed the bribe negotiation.
After ten days of surveillance, the CBI executed their plan on Thursday. As the dealer handed over the first installment of five lakh from the total eight lakh bribe, the DIG was apprehended. The following day, the CBI presented him in Chandigarh's special court, where he was remanded in judicial custody without requesting further CBI detention.
DIG's lawyer HS Dhanoa argued there was nothing further for the CBI to question, hence no demand for remand. However, despite this claim, the extensive scale of recoveries has raised questions throughout the police system.
According to the CBI's preliminary report, around 50 immovable property documents in Bhullar's name, and that of his relatives, were discovered. These properties are situated in various cities, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala, and Ludhiana. The CBI also found 2.1 million rupees in cash from the residence of Bhullar's close intermediary.
The investigative agency asserted this is just the beginning. DIG's network and illegal properties extend across multiple states. Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2009 batch IPS officer, was promoted to DIG in January 2023.
He previously served as SSP in several Punjab districts. During their search, the CBI also found numerous locker keys associated with the accused DIG, yet to be accessed. Thus far, 15 bank accounts have been frozen and investigations are ongoing.
