Punjab – The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted an extensive CBI raid Bhullar operation on Friday at the 55-acre farmhouse of suspended deputy inspector general Harcharan Singh Bhullar at Mand Sherian village, near Machhiwara in Ludhiana. The operation forms part of the agency’s ongoing probe into serious bribery and corruption allegations against the senior police officer from the Ropar range.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the CBI raid Bhullar farmhouse began early in the morning and continued until late evening. During this comprehensive search, CBI officials thoroughly examined the entire property, inspected each room meticulously, and scrutinized various documents found on the premises. Some locks were reportedly broken during the operation to access all areas of the expansive property.
Systematic Investigation Approach
A specialized team comprising 7 to 10 officials led by CBI officer Sanjeev Kumar supervised the entire CBI raid Bhullar operation. “A search was conducted today at the 55-acre farmland and farmhouse belonging to suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar,” Kumar confirmed to the media.
The farmhouse search represents the latest development in the expanding investigation into Bhullar’s alleged financial irregularities. Local residents revealed that Bhullar purchased the land approximately five to six years ago and would occasionally visit the property to oversee agricultural activities conducted there.
Previous Raids and Recoveries
The CBI raid Bhullar investigation follows earlier searches conducted at his Chandigarh residence and other locations, where investigators made significant recoveries. These previous operations uncovered property papers, substantial amounts of cash, and valuable items. The agency is currently engaged in verifying these documents and assessing the complete scale of his alleged disproportionate assets.
The magnitude of the CBI raid Bhullar operations became evident from the seizures made during earlier searches. Investigators recovered an astounding ₹7.5 crore in cash, 2.5 kilograms of gold, 26 luxury watches, and papers linked to over 50 properties across various locations. These discoveries have raised serious questions about the source of such wealth accumulated by a government servant.
Original Bribery Allegations
The CBI raid Bhullar investigation was triggered when the officer was arrested by the agency on October 16 for allegedly demanding an ₹8-lakh bribe from a scrap dealer from Mandi Gobindgarh. This arrest set in motion a series of investigations that have since revealed an extensive network of alleged corruption and disproportionate wealth accumulation.
Following the arrest, the Punjab government took swift action and suspended Bhullar on October 18 under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules. This suspension removed him from his position as deputy inspector general of the Ropar range, allowing the investigation to proceed without interference.
Additional Criminal Case
Compounding his legal troubles, a separate case emerged during the CBI raid Bhullar investigation. The Samrala police registered an FIR against Bhullar for allegedly storing liquor illegally at his Virasaat Locations Mahal Farm near village Bondli, Samrala.
The FIR stated that during the CBI raid Bhullar properties, investigators recovered 108 bottles of liquor valued at ₹2.89 lakh and 17 live bullets from the property. This discovery added another dimension to the allegations against the suspended officer, raising questions about illegal activities beyond financial corruption.
Continued Searches at Chandigarh Residence
On Thursday, just a day before the farmhouse operation, the CBI carried out a second round of searches at Bhullar’s residence in Sector 40, Chandigarh, to collect additional evidence linked to the ongoing probe. This demonstrates the agency’s methodical approach in building a comprehensive case.
During the CBI raid Bhullar Chandigarh residence, officials focused on preparing a detailed inventory and valuation report of all household items as part of the property assessment exercise. Investigators also searched for CCTV camera footage from the house, which could provide crucial evidence about the officer’s activities and visitors.
Asset Verification Process Underway
The CBI raid Bhullar operations have now entered the crucial phase of document verification and asset assessment. The agency is meticulously examining recovered property papers to establish ownership patterns, timing of acquisitions, and sources of funds used for these purchases.
Officials involved in the investigation indicated that the farmhouse search was essential to understanding the full extent of Bhullar’s alleged disproportionate assets. The 55-acre property itself represents a significant investment that requires explanation regarding the source of funds, especially given the officer’s known income and service record.
Implications for Police Accountability
The CBI raid Bhullar case has sent shockwaves through the Punjab Police establishment, highlighting concerns about corruption at senior levels. The case of a deputy inspector general allegedly involved in such extensive corruption raises serious questions about oversight mechanisms and accountability within the force.
The investigation has also drawn attention to how senior officers might accumulate wealth through corrupt practices while evading detection for years. The recovery of such massive amounts of cash, gold, and property papers suggests a systematic approach to corruption rather than isolated incidents.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
As the CBI raid Bhullar investigation continues, the agency is expected to conduct further searches if additional properties or assets are discovered. Officials have indicated that the verification of documents recovered from various locations could lead to more revelations about the extent of alleged corruption.
The case serves as a significant test of India’s anti-corruption mechanisms and the determination of investigative agencies to pursue cases against senior government officials, regardless of their rank or position. The outcome of this investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for how corruption cases involving senior police officers are handled in Punjab and beyond.
