Punjab – The Punjab IPS bribe case has rocked the state’s law enforcement establishment after the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a dramatic operation. The CBI caught the senior officer red-handed accepting ₹8 lakh in his Mohali office, uncovering what appears to be a systematic monthly extortion scheme targeting local businessmen.
The CBI Trap Operation
The Punjab IPS bribe scandal came to light after the CBI laid a trap based on a complaint from Akash Batta, a scrap businessman from Fatehgarh Sahib. According to the FIR registered in the case, Bhullar, who serves as DIG of Ropar Range, had been demanding recurring monthly payments through his aide and middleman, Kirshanu.
The verification process revealed that the Punjab IPS bribe demand amounted to ₹8 lakh for “settling” FIR No. 155/2023 and ensuring no further police action against Batta’s scrap business. The CBI operation successfully caught Bhullar in the act, leading to one of the most significant corruption busts in Punjab Police history.
Staggering Cash and Asset Recovery
The scale of the Punjab IPS bribe case became apparent during the search operations that followed Bhullar’s arrest. CBI officials seized upwards of ₹5 crore in cash from the officer, with counting still ongoing as of Thursday evening. The sheer volume of currency notes discovered at various locations painted a disturbing picture of long-term corruption.
Beyond the cash recovery in the Punjab IPS bribe case, investigators also seized 1.5 kilograms of jewellery, documents pertaining to immovable properties and assets across Punjab, and keys to two luxury vehicles—a Mercedes and an Audi. The haul included twenty-two luxury watches, locker keys, and forty litres of imported liquor bottles.
Weapons and Luxury Items Seized
The Punjab IPS bribe investigation also uncovered a significant cache of firearms at Bhullar’s premises. CBI officials recovered one double-barreled gun, one pistol, one revolver, and one airgun, along with accompanying ammunition. These recoveries, combined with the luxury items and cash, suggest a lifestyle far beyond the legitimate earnings of a senior police officer.
Visual evidence shared by the CBI showed bags stuffed with currency notes and multiple jewellery boxes, providing stark testimony to the magnitude of the Punjab IPS bribe scheme. The agency’s press release detailed the extensive nature of the seizures, emphasizing the systematic accumulation of ill-gotten wealth.
The WhatsApp Evidence
Critical evidence in the Punjab IPS bribe case emerged from WhatsApp conversations between Bhullar and his middleman Kirshanu. During verification conducted on October 11, 2025, at Sector 9-D Market in Chandigarh, a recorded WhatsApp call captured DIG Bhullar giving explicit instructions about collecting the bribe money.
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In the Punjab IPS bribe scheme’s communications, Bhullar was recorded instructing: “8 fadne ne 8” and then “Jinna denda nal nal fadi chal, ohnu kehde 8 kar de pura,” directing his middleman to collect ₹8 lakh from the complainant, or “whatever he pays for now.” This conversation provided irrefutable evidence of the officer’s direct involvement.
Monthly Extortion Pattern Revealed
The Punjab IPS bribe case exposed a pattern of monthly extortion rather than a one-time payment. The middleman Kirshanu later told the complainant: “Edda kehna pata ki hai… kehnda hai August da ni aaya, September da ni aaya,” implying that DIG Bhullar demanded regular monthly bribes. This statement suggested that August and September payments had not been received, indicating an ongoing extortion racket.
The FIR stated that this conversation corroborated the complainant’s version of events. The mobile number used in the call was verified as registered to DIG Bhullar, establishing direct connectivity and removing any possibility of mistaken identity in the Punjab IPS bribe scandal.
Profile of the Accused Officer
Harcharan Singh Bhullar joined as the Deputy Inspector General of Ropar Range on November 27, 2024, having previously served as DIG of Patiala Range. The officer comes from a distinguished police background, being the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar.
Despite his family’s reputation, Bhullar now stands at the center of the Punjab IPS bribe controversy. He maintained a relatively low profile during his service and was actively involved in the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government’s anti-drug campaign. Ironically, he had headed the Punjab Police special investigation team that questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on drug smuggling charges.
Implications for Punjab Police
The Punjab IPS bribe case raises serious questions about systemic corruption within the state’s law enforcement apparatus. The monthly nature of the extortion scheme suggests this wasn’t an isolated incident but rather an established modus operandi that may have affected multiple businessmen.
The arrest of such a senior officer, particularly one involved in high-profile investigations and anti-drug campaigns, has damaged public trust in Punjab Police. The sheer scale of assets accumulated—₹5 crore in cash alone—indicates that the Punjab IPS bribe scheme operated for a considerable period without detection.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining whether Bhullar’s network extended beyond the current charges. The CBI is likely analyzing the documents related to immovable properties to trace the full extent of assets acquired through corrupt means. This Punjab IPS bribe case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining integrity within law enforcement agencies and the importance of robust oversight mechanisms.
