In a rare move against a senior police official, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Punjab Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. The operation, conducted at his Mohali office, underscores the CBI’s growing scrutiny of corruption within state law enforcement ranks.
Caught Red-Handed in Mohali Raid
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Harcharan Singh Bhullar, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Ropar Range, for allegedly accepting a ₹5 lakh bribe from a complainant. According to officials, Bhullar was caught red-handed at his Mohali office, where he had allegedly summoned the complainant to collect the first instalment of the bribe.
FCRF Launches CCLP Program to Train India’s Next Generation of Cyber Law Practitioners
The CBI said the operation followed a formal complaint by a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib, who alleged that Bhullar had demanded ₹5 lakh to settle a case-related claim. A middleman linked to the DIG was also taken into custody during the raid.
Immediately after the arrest, CBI officers conducted searches at three locations connected to Bhullar — his office, residence, and another undisclosed site. To maintain independence, the agency stated that no Punjab Police officers were included in the raiding party.
Bhullar was later taken to Panchkula for interrogation, where he is expected to face questioning on the alleged bribery network and possible links to other cases under review.
A Career Once Marked by Integrity
DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2007-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, took charge as Ropar Range DIG on November 27, 2024, after previously serving as Patiala Range DIG. His police career includes key assignments as Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau and as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in districts such as Jagraon, Mohali, and Sangrur.
Bhullar had earned a reputation as a low-profile and disciplined officer, known for his role in Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign. He also headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that interrogated senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a high-profile drug smuggling case.
The DIG is also the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar, a respected figure in the state’s policing circles. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the Punjab Police establishment, given his family’s legacy and his prior involvement in anti-corruption and vigilance initiatives.
Complaint, Context, and Investigation Trail
According to CBI sources, the arrest came after weeks of surveillance and discreet monitoring of Bhullar’s actions following the Fatehgarh Sahib complaint. The CBI’s decision to act independently — without state police involvement — reflects concerns about potential interference in the probe.
The Ropar Range, over which Bhullar presides, covers the districts of Mohali, Rupnagar, and Fatehgarh Sahib. The complainant alleged that the DIG used his office to demand illegal gratification for facilitating a case settlement.
The CBI said it is now examining whether the bribery incident forms part of a broader pattern of misconduct. Senior officials indicated that digital evidence, transaction records, and communication data are being analyzed. The agency has also sought reports from vigilance and internal affairs units regarding Bhullar’s tenure in prior postings.
