CBI Arrests Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in ₹5-Crore Bribe Case

In a major development that has sent shockwaves across the Punjab Police department, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested senior IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a high-profile bribery case. The officer, a 2009-batch IPS currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ropar Range, was taken into custody from his Chandigarh office after the CBI laid a successful trap following a complaint about a bribe demand. Alongside the officer, a private individual alleged to be the middleman was also arrested in connection with the CBI bribery case.

According to CBI officials, the bribery case came to light when a complainant approached the agency, alleging that IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar had sought money through an intermediary to settle an FIR filed against him. Acting swiftly, the CBI set up a trap operation and caught the accused red-handed while accepting the bribe. The arrest of DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar marks one of the biggest CBI bribery case operations involving a senior police officer in recent years.

Following the arrest, the CBI carried out extensive searches at multiple locations linked to Harcharan Singh Bhullar in Punjab and Chandigarh. During the searches, the CBI reportedly recovered over ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kilograms of gold jewellery, documents of immovable properties, and several luxury items, arms, and ammunition. Investigators described the seizure as “substantial and incriminating,” confirming that these findings have further strengthened the CBI bribery case against the senior officer.

Sources within the CBI revealed that the scale of assets recovered from Harcharan Singh Bhullar's premises has raised serious questions about his financial dealings and potential misuse of power. Officials believe that the recovered documents indicate ownership of multiple high-value properties across Punjab. The CBI bribery case is expected to expand as the agency continues to trace the money trail and verify whether other individuals were involved in facilitating or covering up the alleged corruption network led by DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar.

The CBI bribery case has triggered widespread concern and disappointment within the law enforcement community, with many calling it a “black mark” on the integrity of the uniform. Senior officials have stated that the CBI will pursue the case with full transparency and ensure accountability at all levels. The arrest of Harcharan Singh Bhullar has once again highlighted the CBI’s commitment to tackling corruption, regardless of the rank or position of those involved.

While Harcharan Singh Bhullar is currently under CBI custody for interrogation, further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of his alleged corrupt activities. The CBI bribery case has drawn national attention, not only because of the large cash recovery but also because it involves a senior IPS officer who was expected to uphold the law. Officials have confirmed that more arrests could follow as the probe deepens into what appears to be one of Punjab’s most shocking CBI bribery cases in recent memory.