NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a fresh case against suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The move comes just days after the officer was arrested in connection with a ₹8 lakh bribery case, deepening the crisis within Punjab’s police establishment.
CBI Files Fresh FIR Under Corruption Act and BNS
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the allegations against Bhullar prima facie indicate the commission of offences under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
These provisions deal with public servants who acquire assets beyond their lawful means — a cognisable offence that carries significant penal consequences.
From Bribery to Unexplained Wealth: The Expanding Probe
The disproportionate assets case stems from an earlier CBI probe initiated on October 16, when Bhullar was accused of demanding illegal gratification from a Fatehgarh Sahib–based scrap dealer. The officer allegedly sought a monthly bribe through his associate to “settle” a police case against the complainant and to ensure that no coercive action was taken against his business.
Bhullar’s aide, Krishnu Sharda, was caught red-handed in Chandigarh while accepting ₹5 lakh on behalf of the DIG, the CBI said. Both men were subsequently arrested, and Sharda has since been remanded to nine days of CBI custody by a special court.
Raids Yield Crores in Cash, Gold, and Luxury Items
During extensive searches at Bhullar’s residence, the CBI reportedly seized ₹7.36 crore in cash, gold and silver jewellery worth ₹2.32 crore, and 26 high-end branded watches. According to the agency, ₹7,36,50,000 of the recovered ₹7,36,90,000 was formally seized. Investigators also confiscated documents relating to immovable properties, which are now being examined to trace potential benami holdings and investment links. A senior CBI official said the case points to a “pattern of systematic graft” involving the misuse of official power for personal enrichment.
“The scale of assets recovered suggests prolonged corruption, extending beyond a single instance of bribery,” the official noted.
Punjab Police Faces Institutional Scrutiny
The case has sent shockwaves through the Punjab Police, already under scrutiny for a series of recent corruption allegations. Bhullar’s arrest — followed by the disproportionate assets case — has raised concerns over integrity lapses within the state’s top policing ranks.
Law enforcement experts say the development underlines the need for internal accountability mechanisms and external oversight in police operations.
“when senior officers themselves come under CBI investigation, it erodes public trust but also opens a window for systemic reform” a retired officer told.
The Larger Implications
The CBI is expected to widen the probe to identify others who may have benefited from Bhullar’s alleged network of illegal dealings. Investigators are examining possible money laundering trails and the involvement of private intermediaries who allegedly acted as conduits for bribes.
If proven, the case could emerge as one of the most significant corruption scandals in Punjab’s police history, highlighting the widening reach of federal investigations into law enforcement misconduct.
“This is not just about one officer — it’s about restoring credibility in the uniform.” A senior official remarked.
