Chandigarh, India – In a significant move against corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in the Punjab Police, on Thursday. Bhullar, a 2007-batch IPS officer serving as the DIG of the Ropar Range, was apprehended at his office in Mohali.

The arrest followed a meticulously planned operation by the CBI, which had been monitoring Bhullar's activities for some time. Sources indicate that the arrest was made when Bhullar was caught red-handed accepting a bribe. A middleman allegedly linked to the officer was also taken into custody.

The case originated from a complaint filed by a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib. The complainant alleged that Bhullar had demanded ₹5 lakh to settle a claim. According to the FIR, the complainant, Akash Batta, alleged that Bhullar, through his middleman Krishanu, demanded the bribe for settling a 2023 FIR registered against Batta at the Sirhind police station, and to ensure no further adverse police action was taken. Bhullar allegedly summoned the complainant to his Mohali office to receive the first installment of the bribe, where the CBI conducted its raid.

Following the arrest, CBI teams conducted searches at Bhullar's office, his residence in Sector 40, and a farmhouse in Khanna. Bhullar was then taken to Panchkula for questioning. To maintain impartiality, the CBI ensured that no Punjab Police personnel on deputation were part of the raiding team.

Sources also allege that Bhullar was extorting the bribe money to allow the complainant's illegal car business, which reportedly involved the sale of scrap vehicles with tampered chassis numbers, to continue operating without interference.

Bhullar had previously spearheaded anti-drug campaigns and was involved in key investigations. His arrest marks one of the most significant corruption arrests within the state's police force in recent times. Senior state police officials have remained tight-lipped regarding the development.