2007-batch IPS officer and son of former DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar caught accepting ₹5 lakh; investigation exposes alleged monthly pay-off racket.
In an incident that has jolted Punjab’s police and administrative circles, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar from his office in Mohali, after he was caught red-handed accepting a ₹5 lakh bribe in a sting operation.
Bhullar, a 2007-batch IPS officer, is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar, a decorated officer from the anti-terrorism years. His arrest has sparked widespread shock across law enforcement circles.
The CBI Operation: How the Trap Was Set
According to CBI sources, the operation began after a scrap dealer from Fatehgarh Sahib lodged a complaint, alleging that Bhullar had demanded money to “settle” a police case. Acting on the tip, the agency organized a trap at a hotel in Mohali, where the DIG of Ropar Range was arrested while accepting ₹5 lakh in cash — the first installment of a larger bribe demand.
To avoid any conflict of interest, the CBI ensured that no Punjab Police officers on deputation were part of the raiding team.
Soon after, the agency conducted searches at multiple premises, including Bhullar’s office, residence, and another related property. One private individual was also detained for questioning.
A Web of Corruption: Alleged Monthly Kickbacks
What makes this case particularly damning is the alleged organized system of pay-offs. Investigators believe that Bhullar was accepting ₹5 lakh per month from businessmen running illegal car trading operations in the region.
Sources reveal that the officer initially demanded ₹2 lakh, later hiking it to ₹5 lakh monthly in exchange for protection from enforcement actions. Several similar complaints are reportedly under CBI scrutiny, suggesting the bribe may have been part of a larger extortion racket.
Who Is Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
Belonging to one of Punjab’s most prominent police families, Harcharan Singh Bhullar has served in key postings across the state. His father, Mehal Singh Bhullar, was Punjab’s Director General of Police, known for leading anti-terror operations during the 1980s and 1990s.
His brother, Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, is a former Congress MLA, marking the family’s deep involvement in both policing and politics.
Career Record and Irony of Fate
Before taking charge as DIG, Ropar Range, on November 27, 2024, Bhullar held several important assignments:
DIG, Patiala Range
DIG, Punjab Armed Police (PAP)
Joint Director, Vigilance Bureau
SSP in Jagraon, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, and SAS Nagar (Mohali)
Ironically, Bhullar had once led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that interrogated Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug trafficking case. The officer who once pursued corruption now faces similar allegations himself.
During his Ropar tenure, several illegal car trading rackets were unearthed — involving tampered chassis numbers and scrap car resales — operations that may now be linked to the ongoing bribery investigation.
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Shockwaves and Political Reactions
Bhullar’s arrest has left Punjab’s police community in disbelief. Known as a low-profile, disciplined officer, his name rarely figured in controversies.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stated that the matter will be handled with complete transparency. Party spokesperson Baltej Pannu reiterated, “No act of corruption will be spared — irrespective of rank or background.”
Senior police officers have avoided public comment, underscoring the sensitivity of the case given Bhullar’s stature and family legacy.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Probe
The arrested DIG was produced before a CBI court in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. The CBI Chandigarh branch is now investigating the case, focusing on the money trail and potential accomplices.
Recovered evidence from the raids is being examined to uncover financial links, digital communications, and hidden beneficiaries involved in the network.
Ropar Range Under the Scanner
With Ropar Range—including Mohali, Ropar, and Fatehgarh Sahib—now at the center of the investigation, questions are being raised about oversight lapses and internal accountability in the police force.
The case has reignited debate on the integrity of senior officers and the influence of power and family background in shielding wrongdoing.
Implications for Punjab Police
Bhullar’s arrest marks one of the most serious corruption scandals involving a senior IPS officer in recent years. It represents not just a personal downfall but also a reputational crisis for Punjab Police, already battling perceptions of internal decay and political interference.
The CBI’s swift action serves as a reminder that rank offers no immunity. As the investigation deepens, more revelations and possible arrests are expected in the coming weeks.
