Chandigarh, July 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Special CBI Court in Chandigarh on Friday framed charges against suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his alleged intermediary Krishanu Sharda in a corruption case involving an alleged demand for illegal gratification.
The court dismissed separate discharge applications filed by both accused and ordered that the trial proceed. The matter has now been listed for trial on July 23.
Alleged Bribe Demand Through Intermediary
The case stems from a complaint filed by Akash Batta, who alleged that Bhullar, while serving as DIG, Ropar Range, had sought a bribe through private intermediary Krishanu Sharda in return for extending favourable treatment in an FIR registered at Police Station Sirhind.
According to the complaint, the alleged demand was also linked to ensuring that no coercive action was taken against the complainant’s business.
CBI Trap Led to Arrests
Acting on the complaint, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) laid a trap on October 16, 2025, during which Krishanu Sharda was allegedly caught while accepting ₹5 lakh from the complainant as part of the alleged bribe amount.
Bhullar was arrested the same day.
The CBI subsequently filed a chargesheet in December 2025 under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Court Rejects Discharge Pleas
During the hearing, counsel appearing for the accused questioned the CBI’s authority to register the case and sought their discharge.
The plea was opposed by CBI Public Prosecutor Narender Singh, who argued that sufficient material existed to proceed with the prosecution.
After considering the submissions of both sides, the Special Judge (CBI) dismissed the discharge applications and framed charges against Bhullar and Sharda under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The trial in the case is scheduled to commence on July 23.
FOLLOW NOW
