Chandigarh, October 16, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
In a major breakthrough in an ongoing anti-corruption drive, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has seized a staggering amount of cash, gold, and high-end vehicles from IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, currently serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ropar Range, Punjab.
Bhullar was arrested on Thursday after being allegedly caught accepting a hefty bribe from a scrap dealer in Mandi Gobindgarh. The CBI had reportedly laid a trap following a detailed complaint that accused the senior police officer of demanding bribes running into lakhs in exchange for “favourable action.”
CBI Recovers Cash, Gold, and Luxury Vehicles
During extensive raids conducted at multiple premises linked to Bhullar, the CBI recovered approximately ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kilograms of gold, and several luxury cars, including premium SUVs and imported sedans. 22 luxury watches have also been seized during the investigation. A cash amount of Rs. 21-lakh has also been recovered from the alleged ‘middleman’ of the DGI.
Due to the sheer volume of the cash seized, sources revealed that the agency had to requisition note-counting machines to tally the amount. The recovery operation continued late into the night at Bhullar’s official and private residences.
A senior CBI official confirmed that these recoveries represent one of the largest recent seizures involving a serving IPS officer in Punjab.
Properties and Assets Under Scrutiny
In addition to the recovered assets, investigators have reportedly identified over 15 immovable properties owned by Bhullar across Punjab and other states. These properties include residential plots, commercial spaces, and farmland, some allegedly registered in the names of relatives and associates.
Searches and forensic audits are ongoing to assess the scale of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Sources within the agency said that further raids may be conducted based on evidence obtained from financial documents, mobile phones, and digital storage devices seized from Bhullar’s premises.
Profile of Harcharan Singh Bhullar
Harcharan Singh Bhullar, an IPS officer with a career spanning over two decades, has served in several key law enforcement and administrative roles across Punjab. He is also the son of former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mahal Singh Bhullar, a reputed name in the state’s police hierarchy.
Officials stated that Bhullar’s record will be thoroughly reviewed to identify any prior complaints or irregularities during his previous postings. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the state police establishment and raised serious questions about corruption at senior levels of law enforcement.
CBI Continues Investigation
The CBI has filed an FIR against Bhullar under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are underway to track the money trail, suspected benami properties, and links with businessmen or intermediaries involved in bribery networks.
The agency is also probing whether Bhullar had used his official position to influence transfers, contracts, or protection rackets in exchange for illegal gratification.
A senior CBI spokesperson stated, “We are committed to ensuring that no one is above the law. The investigation will be thorough, fair, and evidence-driven.”
Public and Political Reaction
The dramatic arrest and massive recovery have sparked outrage and debate across Punjab’s political spectrum. Civil rights groups and opposition leaders have demanded a comprehensive audit of police officials’ assets and stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has reportedly sought a preliminary report from the CBI to assess the magnitude of the corruption allegations and any potential involvement of other officials.
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