Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid on Monday at Punjab Police suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar's residence in Chandigarh. The agency is carrying out search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with Bhullar and others.
Under Section 17 of the PMLA, the ED is conducting searches at a total of 11 locations, including Chandigarh (2), Ludhiana district (5), Patiala (2), Nabha (1), and Jalandhar (1). These premises are linked to the accused, his associates, and suspected benami individuals. The objective of these searches is to trace proceeds of crime, identify benami properties, and gather evidence related to money laundering. Further investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, during a CBI raid at Bhullar’s Chandigarh residence and farmhouse, a large amount of cash and valuables were recovered. The seizure included approximately ₹7.36 crore in cash, 2.5 kilograms of gold, silver jewellery worth around ₹2.32 crore, and 26 luxury watches from brands like Rolex and Rado. Additionally, documents related to over 50 immovable properties in the names of his family members, luxury cars such as Mercedes and Audi, four weapons, and 108 bottles of foreign liquor were also seized.
CBI Gets Nod for Fresh Probe
Two days ago (April 25), a special court in Chandigarh granted permission to the CBI to initiate a fresh preliminary inquiry against unknown public servants and middlemen. Several senior IAS and IPS officers in Punjab are reportedly under scrutiny in this new probe. Investigators have found a diary and electronic evidence pointing towards an organized corruption network.
Bail Plea Rejected
Earlier, on April 10, 2026, the Supreme Court rejected Bhullar’s bail plea. However, the court allowed him to approach the High Court again after two months if the trial does not begin by then.
Arrest in Bribery Case
Bhullar was arrested by the CBI on October 16, 2025, from his office in Mohali. He was caught red-handed while allegedly demanding ₹8 lakh and accepting ₹5 lakh as a bribe from a scrap dealer, Akash Batta.
The businessman alleged that Bhullar demanded a monthly bribe in exchange for settling an old FIR registered in 2023 and providing future protection. A case was registered against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Assets Under Scanner
Following his arrest, the CBI initiated a probe into his assets. On October 29, 2025, a separate case of disproportionate assets was registered against him. Bhullar has been in judicial custody at Burail Jail in Chandigarh since October 17, 2025, with his custody being extended periodically by the court.