Overview of the Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar on charges related to bribery. The agency alleges Bhullar extorted a monthly payment of Rs 5 lakh from a scrap dealer connected to an ongoing case. In a parallel development, the CBI also took a private individual into custody as part of the operation.
Searches were conducted at Bhullar’s office, his residence, and another location. The officer was briefly taken to Panchkula in Haryana before being brought back to continue the investigation. The raiding team took steps to ensure no Punjab Police personnel on deputation were involved, to preserve neutrality in the probe.
About the Accused Officer
Harcharan Singh Bhullar assumed the post of Ropar Range DIG on November 27, 2024, after serving as Patiala Range DIG. He is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar. Bhullar began his career as a Punjab Police Service (PPS) officer at entry level and was later inducted into the Indian Police Service (IPS), with 2007 batch seniority. Notably, Bhullar once led a Special Investigation Team that questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in drug smuggling cases.
Context and Reactions
The arrest has drawn attention within Punjab’s law enforcement circles, and senior Punjab Police officers have remained silent as the investigation unfolds. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of anti-corruption enforcement and the conduct of senior police officials in the state.
Media reports indicate that the timing of Bhullar’s arrest followed a separate incident where Ropar police clashed with Chandigarh police over the arrest of Navneet Chaturvedi, who claimed to be president of the Janata Party and filed Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Punjab. Chaturvedi was booked on forgery charges after claims that some AAP MLAs’ signatures on nomination papers were forged. When Ropar police attempted to arrest him, Chandigarh Police reportedly did not cooperate, prompting judicial intervention. A Ropar court later ordered Chandigarh Police to hand Chaturvedi over, while admonishing the Chandigarh Police for blocking the arrest warrants.
What This Means for the Investigation
The CBI’s operation underscores ongoing efforts to root out corruption within state policing in Punjab. By isolating Bhullar from other personnel on deputation, investigators aim to minimize interference and preserve the integrity of the process. The case remains under investigation, with more details likely to emerge as authorities review financial records, communications, and related documents tied to the alleged bribe scheme.
Next Steps
Authorities are expected to file formal charges, pursue additional searches if warranted, and question other individuals connected to the case. The public and media will watch for further statements from the CBI and the Punjab Police as new information becomes available.
