A major corruption scandal has rocked the Punjab Police after the CBI arrested DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar for allegedly demanding a ₹8 lakh bribe from a scrap dealer. The Punjab DIG bribery case came to light after a WhatsApp call recording captured the officer directing his middleman to “collect ₹8 lakh.”
The investigation has uncovered shocking details — from piles of cash to luxury assets — sparking widespread outrage over corruption at the highest police levels in the state.
‘8 Fadne Ne 8’: WhatsApp Call That Exposed the Bribe
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a probe after receiving a complaint from scrap dealer Akash Bhatta, who alleged that Bhullar had been extorting monthly payments to settle a 2023 FIR against him.
A recorded WhatsApp call between Bhullar and his aide “Kirshanu” revealed the officer’s clear instructions:
“8 fadne ne 8 (Collect ₹8 lakh from him). Jinna denda nal nal fadi chal, ohnu kehde 8 kar de pura.”
This evidence became the turning point in the Punjab DIG bribery case, leading to Bhullar’s arrest.
CBI Trap and Arrest
The CBI laid a trap in Chandigarh’s Sector 21, catching Bhullar’s aide red-handed while accepting ₹8 lakh from the complainant. During a controlled phone call, Bhullar himself allegedly acknowledged the payment and directed the middleman to bring the money to his office.
Bhullar was then arrested from his Mohali office on Thursday, while his aide was taken into custody at Chandigarh’s Sector 9D market. Both have been charged under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
₹5 Crore Cash, Gold, and Luxury Cars Seized
During simultaneous CBI searches at Bhullar’s office and residence in Chandigarh Sector 40, officials discovered:
- ₹5 crore in cash
- 1.5 kg of gold jewelry
- 22 luxury watches
- Luxury cars (Mercedes, Audi)
- Firearms and 40 litres of imported liquor
The recovery has intensified questions about Bhullar’s sources of wealth and links to wider corruption within the police force.
Who is DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
A 2007-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Harcharan Singh Bhullar served as DIG of the Ropar Range and previously held key positions including DIG (Patiala Range), Joint Director, Vigilance Bureau, and SSP in multiple districts.
He is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar, and had earlier led the Punjab Police SIT that interrogated SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug case.
CBI’s Next Steps
The CBI continues to probe Bhullar’s financial transactions, property documents, and communication logs to uncover the extent of corruption. Officials said more arrests could follow as the investigation broadens.
A senior CBI officer said,
“The WhatsApp call provided direct proof of bribery. The recovery of ₹5 crore confirms a larger pattern of corruption.”
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
The arrest of a Punjab DIG has triggered shockwaves across the state, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and stronger anti-corruption measures. Civil groups have also called for a review of internal policing ethics and accountability systems.
