The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated the investigation on October 16, 2025, which revealed a trail of illicit wealth far beyond the initial bribe. The CBI arrested Harcharan Singh Bhullar along with his alleged middleman, Krishna. The arrests followed a complaint by scrap dealer Akash Batta from Fatehgarh Sahib, who accused Bhullar of demanding Rs 8 lakh to quash a fabricated criminal case against him, with additional monthly “settlement” payments routed through Krishna.

Searches at Bhullar’s properties in Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh uncovered a staggering haul: approximately Rs 5 crore in cash (still being counted), 1.5 kg of gold and jewellery, documents for properties across Punjab, keys to a Mercedes and an Audi, 22 high-end wristwatches, locker keys, 40 litres of imported liquor, and firearms including a double-barrel shotgun, pistol, revolver, and airgun. An additional Rs 21 lakh was seized from Krishna’s residence. Both accused are set to appear in court today, as the CBI probes potential money laundering links and the full scope of their assets.

The CBI’s sting operation in Chandigarh’s Sector 21 caught Krishna accepting the Rs 8 lakh bribe on Bhullar’s behalf. A controlled phone call between the complainant and Bhullar confirmed the officer’s involvement, as he acknowledged the payment and summoned both to his Mohali office. The agency swiftly apprehended both individuals, with intercepted conversations exposing Krishna’s pressure for unpaid dues from August and September. This meticulously planned trap underscored the CBI’s commitment to tackling systemic corruption within law enforcement.

Also Read: BSF Nabs Smuggler, Seizes Rs 2.82 Crore Gold Near Border

Bhullar, who assumed the role of DIG Ropar Range in November 2024, overseeing Mohali, Rupnagar, and Fatehgarh Sahib, has held key positions including DIG Patiala Range and Senior Superintendent of Police in multiple districts. Notably, he led a 2021 Special Investigation Team investigating drug trafficking allegations against Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and contributed to Punjab’s anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. As the son of former Punjab DGP MS Bhullar, his arrest casts a shadow over his distinguished career and raises critical questions about accountability in senior police ranks.

Also Read: 17 Tonnes of Honey, Crores in Gold: Madhya Pradesh Engineer’s Corruption Empire Stuns Investigators