Punjab DIG graft case | CBI lists raid recovery: Rs 7.5 cr in cash, documents of 50 properties, 2.5 kg gold

The central agency, after concluding the overnight searches at Bhullar’s residence in Sector 40, said it it has seized a total of Rs 7.5 crore cash, gold jewellery weighing around 2.5 kg, 26 luxury watches, including brands such as Rolex and Rado.

“Documents pertaining to more than 50 immovable properties held in the names of family members and suspected benami entities, locker keys, details of multiple bank accounts and four firearms along with 100 live cartridges were also seized,” the agency spokesperson said.

Bhullar’s farmhouse in Samrala was also searched from where CBI recovered 108 bottles of liquor, Rs 5.7 lakh cash and 17 live catridges. From the residence of the middleman, recoveries included Rs 21 lakh cash, and various documents suspected to be of incriminating nature, the agency said.

Earlier in the day, Bhullar, after a medical examination, was produced before the court of Special Judge Alka Malik. Co-accused Sharda too was produced amid tight security.

Before the proceedings began, the judge asked Bhullar to remove a handkerchief that he had used to cover his face.

The counsel for the CBI urged that the accused be sent to judicial custody. “The investigation is at a crucial and nascent stage. Several material witnesses remain to be examined, and the process of verifying documentary and financial evidence is ongoing. Given the rank, position and influence of the accused as a senior police officer, there is a strong and reasonable apprehension that, if released, he may influence or intimidate witnesses, tamper with or destroy crucial evidence; or otherwise obstruct the fair and impartial course of investigation. Therefore, in the interest of justice and to ensure an unhindered investigation, it is essential that both the accused persons be remanded to judicial custody,” the CBI counsel submitted.

Appearing for Bhullar, Advocate HS Dhanoa, argued that his client was being falsely implicated. He submitted that Bhullar suffered from certain medical conditions and required regular medication. The judge allowed the request and directed the jail authorities to provide necessary medicines as prescribed. The court then remanded Bhullar and Sharda to judicial custody till October 31, directing that they be lodged at Burail Jail.

Outside the courtroom, Bhullar claimed that the allegations against him are “totally wrong”. When asked him if he was framed, he replied “Absolutely”. “The court will deliver justice; we will keep all aspects before the court,” he said.

Bhullar was arrested by the following a trap in Chandigarh, where Sharda was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe from a Mandi Gobindgarh-based scrap dealer Akash Batta. The complaint, filed by Batta at the CBI office in Chandigarh on October 11, alleged that Bhullar had been demanding monthly “sewa-paani” payments of Rs 5 lakh to settle a 2023 FIR registered against him at Sirhind police station and to prevent any interference in his business.

The FIR has been registered under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The CBI has also invoked provisions for abetment and misuse of official position for personal gain.

Bhullar, who has served in key positions including DIG Patiala Range, Joint Director of Vigilance Bureau, and SSP of Mohali, Sangrur and Hoshiarpur, was also leading the SIT that probed the drug-smuggling case against Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia.