Overview
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar on charges of bribery, marking a dramatic development in a case that has drawn attention to corruption allegations within the state police hierarchy. Bhullar, who most recently headed the Ropar Range, faces accusations of extorting a monthly payment of Rs 5 lakh from a scrap dealer connected to an ongoing case. The operation also led to the custody of one private individual as part of the probe.
The agency conducted searches at Bhullar’s office, his residence, and another location. Bhullar was briefly taken to Panchkula in Haryana before being brought back to the investigation team’s jurisdiction. To preserve impartiality, the raiding team ensured that no Punjab Police personnel on deputation were involved in the operation.
What We Know About the Case
Bhullar assumed charge as the Ropar Range DIG on November 27, 2024, after serving as the Patiala Range DIG. He comes from a notable policing lineage, being the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar. The allegations center on a pattern of bribe extraction tied to a related case, with the CBI alleging that Bhullar demanded payments from a scrap dealer in exchange for favorable treatment or influence in the ongoing matter.
In the wider context of Punjab policing, Bhullar’s arrest adds to concerns about corruption within the force and the transparency of investigative leadership. Bhullar’s career includes a role leading a Special Investigation Team that questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on drug smuggling charges, a case that has kept political and law-and-order circles closely watching the police leadership in the state.
Investigations and Impartiality
The CBI’s approach in this case underscores its emphasis on maintaining impartiality amid high-profile inquiries. By ensuring that no Punjab Police personnel on deputation participated in the raid, investigators signaled a commitment to an objective process. The arrest comes amid other political and administrative tensions in the region, including encounters between Ropar police and Chandigarh authorities related to a separate case involving Navneet Chaturvedi, who claimed to be president of a party and sought Rajya Sabha nomination from Punjab.
Chaturvedi’s case touched on forgery accusations after Ropar police claimed signatures on nomination papers were forged, prompting a clash with Chandigarh Police when an arrest attempt was thwarted. A Ropar court subsequently directed Chandigarh Police to hand Chaturvedi over, while admonishing the Chandigarh Police for obstructing the arrest warrants. This sequence illustrates the friction that can accompany policing and jurisdictional boundaries in border-area affairs.
Background on the Officer
Bhullar’s ascent through the ranks—entering as a Punjab Police Service (PPS) officer, later joining the Indian Police Service (IPS) with a 2007 batch seniority—reflects a conventional pathway for senior policing leadership in Punjab. His tenure as DIG of the Patiala and later Ropar ranges positioned him at pivotal command posts during a period when Punjab policing faced heightened scrutiny for operational and ethical standards. The current charges, if substantiated, would mark a significant turn in how such leaders are perceived by the public and by contemporaries within the force.
Implications for Punjab and Beyond
Legal experts and observers will be watching the proceedings closely to see how the case influences reforms within Punjab’s police ecosystem. The CBI’s decision to pursue bribery charges against a high-ranking officer could set a precedent for tougher scrutiny of senior officers and may spur calls for greater accountability mechanisms within the state police. As the investigation unfolds, senior officers have remained silent, awaiting further details from the probe team.
Timeline of Key Events
– November 27, 2024: Bhullar assumes the post of Ropar Range DIG. – Early 2025: CBI conducts searches at Bhullar’s office, home, and another location, arresting Bhullar and a private individual. – Post-arrest: Bhullar is transported between jurisdictions as investigators coordinate the case. – Concurrent events: Ropar police vs. Chandigarh police tension over the Navneet Chaturvedi matter and related arrest warrants.
