CHANDIGARH, Oct. 17, 2025

Harcharan Singh Bhullar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab Police in Ropar, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹8 lakh from a scrap dealer. The case came to light after the complainant, identified as Akash Bhatta, reported Bhullar’s misconduct. Investigations revealed that Bhullar also demanded recurring monthly payments, referred to as “sewa-paani,” to ensure no police action was taken against the dealer’s business.

Bhullar, a 2007-batch Indian Police Service officer and son of former Punjab Director General of Police Mehal Singh Bhullar, reportedly used a middleman named Kirshanu to collect the bribe. A recorded WhatsApp call between Bhullar and the middleman exposed his instructions to collect ₹8 lakh from the complainant. In the conversation, Bhullar is heard saying, “8 fadne ne 8,” and instructing the middleman to collect whatever the dealer gives while making the total amount ₹8 lakh.

The investigation confirmed that the monthly payments were meant to settle a 2023 FIR registered against the scrap dealer. The middleman, Kirshanu, also revealed in another conversation with the complainant that Bhullar referenced missed payments for August and September, further proving the recurring bribery demand.

Following verification, the CBI confirmed that the mobile number used in the recorded calls belonged to DIG Bhullar. On Thursday, Bhullar was arrested from his office in Mohali, and a simultaneous search was conducted at his Chandigarh residence. During the raids, the CBI recovered cash worth ₹5 crore, jewellery weighing 1.5 kilograms, luxury cars including Mercedes and Audi, 22 luxury watches, 40 litres of imported liquor, and firearms, including a pistol, revolver, double-barrelled gun, and an airgun with ammunition. Documents related to immovable properties and locker keys were also seized.

The CBI laid a trap and caught the middleman red-handed while collecting ₹8 lakh on behalf of Bhullar in Chandigarh’s Sector 21. During the operation, a controlled call confirmed Bhullar’s acknowledgment of the bribe and instructions to meet the complainant and middleman at his office. Kirshanu was also arrested during the operation.

A case has been registered against Bhullar and the middleman under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is ongoing, with the CBI closely examining Bhullar’s past activities and possible involvement in other cases.

Harcharan Singh Bhullar has previously served as DIG of Patiala Range, Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau, and Senior Superintendent of Police in multiple districts including Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur, and Gurdaspur. He also came into the spotlight for his leadership of the Punjab Police SIT that questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on drug smuggling charges. Bhullar has faced allegations of mismanagement and heavy-handed tactics in the past.

The arrest and the extensive recovery from Bhullar’s office and residence highlight a major corruption scandal in the Punjab Police, prompting wider scrutiny of administrative practices and accountability within the force.

 Punjab DIG Arrested by CBI Over ₹8 Lakh Bribe

Harcharan Singh Bhullar, Ropar DIG of Punjab Police, was arrested by the CBI for allegedly demanding ₹8 lakh from a scrap dealer. A recorded WhatsApp call exposed Bhullar instructing a middleman to collect the bribe and ensure monthly payments, called “sewa-paani,” to avoid police action. The CBI also recovered ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold, luxury cars, watches, liquor, and firearms from his office and residence. Both Bhullar and the middleman were taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing to examine Bhullar’s past activities and possible further misconduct in the police force.