CBI books suspended Punjab DIG Bhullar in fresh DA case

Based on the findings, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the CBI registered an FIR under section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and section 13 (1)(b) (a public servant is said to commit the offence of criminal misconduct if he intentionally enriches himself illicitly during the period of his office) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, in Chandigarh on Wednesday, they said.

The CBI had arrested Bhullar on October 16, along with middleman Kirshanu Sharda, for allegedly accepting Rs 5 lakh in a bribe from a scrap dealer as “sewa pani”.

Bhullar has been lodged in Burail Model Jail in Chandigarh under judicial custody for 14 days, while a Special CBI Judge on Wednesday granted nine days of police remand of his co-accused Kirshanu Sharda, who was so far in judicial custody, to the CBI.

As per the investigation carried out by the ACB, a report of which is attached with the FIR, it has been recommended that “the role of family members, who may have abetted DIG Bhullar in acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, may be looked into during the course of the investigation”.

On October 16, a regular case against Bhullar and Kirshanu Sharda was registered under section 61 (2) of the BNS and sections 7 (offence relating to public servant being bribed) and 7A (taking undue advantage to influence public servant by corrupt or illegal means or by exercise of personal influence) of the PC Act based on a complaint lodged by Akash Batta of Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab.

Subsequently, a trap was laid, during which accused Kirshanu, the middleman, was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from the complainant on behalf of Bhullar, sources said.

The ACB report says that in continuation of the investigation of the case, the residential premises of Harcharan Singh Bhullar at House No. 1489, Sector 40B, Chandigarh, were searched on October 16/17. “During the search, cash amounting to Rs. 7,36,90,000 was recovered, out of which Rs. 7,36,50,000 was seized. Further, gold jewellery and silver items for a total value of Rs. 2,32,07,686 were recovered from the bedroom of Harcharan Singh Bhullar, 26 branded and expensive watches were also recovered. Immovable property documents were also seized, which include documents of H.No. 1489, Sector 40-B, Chandigarh, and Flat No. 1014, Sector 39, Chandigarh, and documents pertaining to acquisition of agricultural land measuring around 150 acres in the districts of Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana and commercial properties in the name of H.S. Bhullar, his family members (comprising of wife Tejinder Kaur Bhullar, son Gurpartap Singh Bhullar and daughter Tejkiran Kaur Bhullar) and others,” the report says.

The document further adds: “Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his family members were also found to be in possession of five vehicles, including high-end vehicles such as Mercedes, Audi, Innova and Fortuner. There is a balance of Rs. 2.95 crore (approximately) as on October 17 in five bank accounts and two Fixed Deposits (FDs) in the name of Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his family members.”

“As per the salary account of Harcharan Singh Bhullar in HDFC Bank, Sector 9, Chandigarh, net salary to the tune of Rs. 4,74,140 for the month of August and September 2025 was credited during the check period from 01.08.2025 to 17.10.2025. As per the Income Tax Return for the Assessment Year 2025-26, Harcharan Singh Bhullar has declared his total income from all known sources to the tune of Rs. 45,95,990. Further, income tax of Rs. 13,82,270 is paid by H.S. Bhullar on the said total income, and as such, his net income, after deduction of income tax, is Rs. 32 lakh approx. For the whole financial year 2024-2025,” the report says.

“The recovery of cash along with high-value jewellery, luxury items, high-end vehicles and substantial bank balances/fixed deposits, prima facie reveals that during the check period from 01.08.2025 to 17.10.2025, accused Harcharan Singh Bhullar, in connivance with unknown others, has acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, thereby intentionally enriched himself illicitly during the period of his office,” the report says.

“The acquisition of immovable properties and other assets, India and abroad, may be examined in detail during the course of investigation,” the report adds.