How scrap-dealer led to arrest of highly corrupt IPS officer
What's the story
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar of the Ropar Range in Punjab in a corruption case. The 2009-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was arrested along with his alleged middleman, Krishna. The CBI has accused them of demanding and accepting bribes to "settle" a criminal case against a local businessman.
Wealth uncovered
Case registered after complaint by local scrap dealer
The case was registered after a complaint by scrap dealer Akash Batta, who alleged Bhullar threatened him with false charges unless he paid ₹8 lakh as an initial bribe. The CBI's First Information Report (FIR) detailed how Bhullar demanded payments through Krishna, who pressured Batta for "monthly" settlements. During a sting operation in Chandigarh's Sector 21, Krishna was caught accepting ₹8 lakh on behalf of Bhullar.
Arrest details
Controlled call was made to Bhullar, confirming bribe receipt
After the sting operation, a controlled call was made to Bhullar, confirming receipt of the bribe. The CBI then traced and arrested both Bhullar and Krishna at the officer's office in Mohali. Following their arrest, extensive searches were conducted at multiple premises linked to Bhullar in Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh.
Seized assets
₹5cr cash, luxury vehicles, imported liquor seized
The CBI recovered around ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5kg of gold and jewelry, documents related to properties across Punjab, keys to two luxury vehicles (Mercedes and Audi), 22 high-end wristwatches, locker keys, and 40-liter of imported liquor. They also seized firearms, including a double-barrel gun, pistol, revolver, and airgun. From Krishna's residence, an additional ₹21 lakh was recovered during searches.
Twitter Post
Watch the video of recovery here
🚨Big Bust!
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) October 16, 2025
CBI Arrests Punjab DIG in ₹8 Lakh Bribery Case, 2009-batch IPS officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar, DIG Ropar Range (Punjab)
During raids in Punjab & Chandigarh, CBI recovers:
• ₹5 crore cash (and counting)
• 1.5 kg jewellery
• Mercedes & Audi keys
• 22 luxury… pic.twitter.com/WD7M5o3sh1
Career profile
Bhullar previously held key positions in police department
Bhullar, who took charge as DIG of Ropar Range in November 2023, has held several key positions in the past, including DIG of Patiala Range and Joint Director of Vigilance Bureau. He was also part of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed a high-profile drug trafficking case against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Bhullar is the son of former Punjab DGP Mehal Singh Bhullar.