Chandigarh, February 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In a significant development in the high-profile corruption case involving suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday dismissed his bail plea, dealing another setback to the senior police officer who has been in judicial custody since October last year.
Bhullar had approached the High Court seeking regular bail after his application was rejected earlier by both the trial court and the Special CBI Court in Chandigarh. However, the High Court declined to grant him relief. A detailed order is awaited, though sources indicated that concerns were raised during the hearing that the accused, given his senior position and influence, could potentially affect witnesses if released on bail.
Arrest and Corruption Allegations
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Bhullar on October 16, 2025, along with alleged middleman Krishanu Sharda, a national-level hockey player, following a complaint filed by Mandi Gobindgarh-based scrap dealer Akash Batta.
The complainant had accused Bhullar of demanding illegal gratification through an intermediary in connection with an FIR registered at Sirhind police station in 2023. The bribe was allegedly sought to settle the case and prevent further coercive action against the complainant’s business.
After verifying the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and arrested both accused persons. During subsequent searches at Bhullar’s residence in Chandigarh, investigators reportedly recovered assets worth several crores, including approximately ₹7.5 crore in cash, gold and silver jewellery valued at ₹2.32 crore, dozens of luxury watches, high-end vehicles, and documents related to extensive agricultural land holdings and commercial properties across Punjab.
Earlier Bail Rejections and Legal Proceedings
Bhullar’s bail application had earlier been rejected by the Special CBI Court on January 2, 2026, which termed the matter a serious economic offence. His co-accused Krishanu Sharda was also denied bail by the court, which observed that substantial evidence existed against him, including recovery of bribe money and audio recordings linking him to the alleged demand.
The suspended DIG later approached the High Court, arguing that the investigation had been completed and the chargesheet filed, making further custodial interrogation unnecessary. His legal counsel contended that since he was under suspension, there was no possibility of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the plea, maintaining that Bhullar’s release could compromise the integrity of the trial due to his seniority and past position in the police force.
Bhullar, 59, has been lodged in Model Jail, Chandigarh, since his arrest. The CBI has also registered a separate case against him for alleged possession of disproportionate assets, in which investigations are ongoing.
Case Seen as Major Anti-Corruption Action
The case is being viewed as one of the most significant anti-corruption actions involving a senior Punjab Police officer in recent years. The High Court’s refusal to grant bail underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the gravity of the charges under investigation.
With the High Court rejecting his bail plea, Bhullar will remain in judicial custody as trial proceedings continue.
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