In a major anti-corruption operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted simultaneous raids at five locations across Patiala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, in connection with a bribery case involving suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hardar Singh Bhullar.
The coordinated search operation began around 6:30 a.m., led by four special teams of the CBI.
According to officials, the agency has recovered a number of incriminating documents related to benami (proxy-owned) properties, unaccounted financial transactions, and digital records suggesting large-scale irregularities.
Focus on a Prominent Property Dealer
The primary focus of the raids was the residence and office of a prominent property dealer alleged to have managed illicit investments and real estate holdings on behalf of the suspended officer.
Sources within the CBI revealed that several assets were registered under the names of Bhullar’s relatives and close associates, raising suspicions of a benami transaction network.
During the searches in Patiala, investigators reportedly seized land registry documents, transaction receipts, cash records, and digital storage devices. These materials are being examined to trace the flow of funds and ownership patterns.
Simultaneous Searches in Ludhiana and Jalandhar
Raids were also carried out at two key locations — Pakhowal Road in Ludhiana and Central Town in Jalandhar — as part of the coordinated operation.
Officials said that investment contracts, property sale deeds, and banking records were recovered, potentially linking the financial transactions to Bhullar’s tenure as a senior police officer.
The CBI is now conducting a forensic audit of these documents to determine the extent of Bhullar’s direct or indirect involvement in these property dealings.
Suspicious Investments Estimated Between ₹71 Lakh and ₹23 Crore
Preliminary findings suggest that Bhullar may have invested over ₹71 lakh during his service tenure through undisclosed means.
Many of these deals were allegedly facilitated by property agent B.S. Bhullar, using family members and intermediaries as fronts.
Investigators believe the network of benami assets extends across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, with digital trails indicating a complex web of financial layering and property transfers.
Documents Indicate Multi-Crore Property Deals
The Ludhiana team reportedly seized registry papers and transaction ledgers referencing property deals worth up to ₹23 crore.
Officials described these papers as “preliminary financial evidence” that could establish direct links between Bhullar and the illegal acquisition of assets.
A forensic evaluation of these materials is underway, focusing on beneficiary identification and monetary trails.
CBI’s Official Statement
In an official note, the CBI termed the operation a “decisive step under preliminary investigation”, emphasizing that the searches were conducted based on verified intelligence inputs.
A senior CBI officer stated —
“We have recovered financial documents and digital records that point to transactions involving benami properties. Further legal action will follow once forensic verification of these materials is complete.”
Background: Corruption Allegations and Suspension
DIG Hardar Singh Bhullar was recently suspended on charges of bribery, abuse of power, and disproportionate assets.
He allegedly received illegal monetary benefits from government contractors and used his official position to influence departmental decisions.
The CBI had earlier filed a formal case against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following preliminary findings of substantial financial irregularities.
Wider Implications and Next Steps
The raids have given new momentum to the CBI’s investigation into organized corruption within state-level police and administrative networks.
The agency is now expected to trace digital money trails, shell entities, and intermediary links to establish the full scale of financial misconduct.
Investigators believe that the case could expose a broader nexus of officials, contractors, and real estate intermediaries, potentially leading to further arrests and asset seizures in the coming weeks.
In essence, Tuesday’s raids mark a significant escalation in CBI’s anti-corruption drive.
With mounting evidence of unaccounted assets and proxy transactions, the case against DIG Bhullar may soon become one of the most closely watched corruption probes in northern India.
