‘A shroud has no pockets’: CM Bhagwant Mann cautions Punjab Police days after DIG Bhullar’s suspension over ‘graft’

“Jitne marji ikatthe karlo paise, heere, moti, magar khyaal rahe kafan mein jeb nahi hoti (Collect as much money and jewels as you wish, but remember that there are no pockets in a shroud). People who came before us have gone. Even Alexander, who conquered the world, had to leave. All of us will leave this world one day. People will remember us only if we have done good works. If not, your name will figure in their [investigating agencies] list,” Mann said.

In a raid last week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had found cash of over Rs 7.5 crore, over 2.5 kg of gold, and documents of several properties from Bhullar’s residence. He is currently in judicial custody and is facing a case registered by the CBI. Following the registration of the First Information Report (FIR) in the case and his subsequent arrest, Bhullar was placed under suspension on October 16.

A co-accused in the case, Krishanu Sharda, who was allegedly the middleman for DIG Bhullar, is also in judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the investigation. The central agency has sought 12-day police custody of Sharda for further questioning.

The two were arrested on a complaint lodged by Fatehgarh Sahib-based scrap dealer Naresh Batta, who alleged that he was being forced to pay a bribe to Bhullar to settle a 2023 FIR lodged against him at Sirhind police station.