CBI Arrests DIG Punjab taking Rs.8 Lakh Bribe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2009 batch, currently posted as DIG, Ropar Range, Punjab, along with a private individual, in a bribery case involving ₹8 lakh. The officer is also alleged to have sought recurring monthly illegal payments from the complainant.

Ropar Range DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and a ‘middleman’ were arrested by CBI at his on Thursday on bribery charges after an iron merchant from Fatehgarh Sahib district complained that the IPS officer was demandings Rs 8 lakh to ‘settle’ a case.

The 2007-batch IPS officer took charge as Ropar Range DIG on November 27, 2024, after serving as Patiala Range DIG. He also served as joint director at the vigilance bureau, and senior Superintendent of Police in Jagraon, Mohali and Sangrur.

He is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar. He also headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that interrogated Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia in connection with drug smuggling allegations.

A case was registered by the CBI on 16 October 2025 against the public servant and his associate. The allegations state that the officer demanded a bribe of ₹8 lakh and monthly illegal gratification through his middleman to “settle” an FIR registered against the complainant and ensure no further coercive or adverse police action was taken against his business.

The CBI laid a trap and caught the private individual red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹8 lakh from the complainant on behalf of the DIG at Sector 21, Chandigarh. During the trap, a controlled call was made to the public servant, who allegedly acknowledged the payment and directed the middleman and complainant to his office. Subsequently, the CBI apprehended the officer from his office and arrested both accused in Chandigarh.

During searches at various premises linked to the public servant in Punjab and Chandigarh, the CBI recovered substantial cash and incriminating material, including:

• Cash of approximately ₹5 crore (and counting)
• Jewellery weighing about 1.5 kg
• Documents related to immovable properties and assets in Punjab
• Keys to two luxury vehicles (Mercedes and Audi)
• 22 luxury watches
• Locker keys
• 40 litres of imported liquor bottles
• Firearms: 1 double-barrel gun, 1 pistol, 1 revolver, 1 airgun, along with ammunition

Additionally, ₹21 lakh was recovered from the middleman. Both accused have been arrested and will be produced before the designated court on 17 October 2025. Searches and further investigation are ongoing.