CHANDIGARH, Oct 16: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Punjab Police DIG (Ropar Range) Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a bribery case and recovered Rs5 crore in cash during raids at his Chandigarh residence.
According to CBI officials, DIG Bhullar had allegedly demanded Rs8 lakh through a middleman from a scrap dealer in Mandi Gobindgarh, Fatehgarh Sahib district.
The officer had reportedly threatened the businessman with reopening an old case registered in Sirhind two years ago and filing a new one if the money was not paid.
Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and arrested Bhullar on Thursday after catching the intermediary red-handed while accepting the bribe in Chandigarh’s Sector 21.
Following the arrest, a 52-member CBI team from Delhi and Chandigarh conducted searches at Bhullar’s Mohali office and his Sector 40 bungalow in Chandigarh.
Investigators found around Rs5 crore in cash packed in three bags and one suitcase.
The agency had to use three currency counting machines to verify the amount.
Officials also seized large quantities of jewellery, luxury watches, imported liquor, a revolver, and documents related to multiple properties and high-end vehicles.
Sources said Bhullar owns at least 15 properties across various locations. The CBI, in its first official statement, confirmed the arrest of both the DIG and his middleman.
A case has been registered against them under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2007-batch IPS officer, is the son of former Punjab DGP Mahil Singh Bhullar. His brother, Kuldeep Bhullar, has served as a Congress MLA.
Bhullar, considered politically well-connected, has held key positions under different state governments. The CBI’s investigation and searches at his Chandigarh residence are still underway.
(UNI)
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