CBI Expands Investigation into Bribery Case of Ropar Range DIG
Chandigarh, October 20, 2025: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its investigation into a high-profile bribery case involving suspended Ropar Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar. Arrested in Mohali, Bhullar stands accused of accepting a bribe estimated at ₹8 lakh from a local scrap dealer.
The Investigation’s Scope: Raids and Discoveries
In response to Bhullar’s arrest, the CBI formed eight specialized teams that executed coordinated raids in locations including Ambala, Mohali, Chandigarh, and Ropar. These operations have led to the recovery of significant evidence, which includes incriminating documents, electronic records, and property papers believed to relate to Bhullar’s accumulation of disproportionate assets.
Interrogation of Five IPS Officers
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI is set to summon five Indian Police Service (IPS) officers this week for questioning regarding their potential involvement in the case. Authorities have indicated that several internal documents bearing their signatures are currently under scrutiny, suggesting a deeper nexus in the case.
ED’s Involvement: A Focus on Money Laundering
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially joined the probe, requesting comprehensive documentation concerning Bhullar’s properties and bank transactions from the CBI. Sources reveal that by Tuesday, the CBI intends to provide the ED with all pertinent files and seized records. The ED is preparing to file a money-laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which will investigate the flow of illegal funds and any potential layering through shell companies associated with Bhullar and his network.
Punjab Government’s Review of 71 Properties
In parallel to the federal investigations, the Punjab Government has initiated an internal review of 71 immovable properties linked to Bhullar, many of which are suspected to have been acquired through benami transactions. The Revenue Department has requested copies of property documents taken during the CBI raids and is likely to commence attachment proceedings following the verification process. Initial findings suggest that Bhullar heavily invested in real estate across areas like Ropar, Mohali, Patiala, and Ludhiana, allegedly using unaccounted earnings amassed from his official role.
Allegations from the Scrap Dealer: A New Twist
A recently released video statement by Akash Batta, the scrap dealer who initially filed the complaint, has added another layer to the case. In the footage, Batta asserts that following the CBI raids, he was contacted by an individual in the United States who claimed that Bhullar had manipulated a family dispute between two brothers to pressure them into selling their ancestral land at below-market prices. “Bhullar used his position to pressure us into selling our land,” Batta remarked, noting that he only recognized the full extent of Bhullar’s deceit after the CBI’s involvement.
Prospects of a Joint Operation between CBI and ED
Officials suggest that a collaborative operation between the CBI and the ED may be on the horizon, aimed at tracing the complete money trail and the ownership structures of Bhullar’s assets. Should evidence emerge of foreign investments or potential hawala connections, the agencies may seek to enlist support from Interpol and Indian diplomatic channels for international cooperation.
Implications for the Punjab Police
The unfolding case has generated considerable shockwaves within the Punjab Police, prompting several senior officers to review previous files and internal dealings. The state government has reiterated its commitment to a strict, zero-tolerance policy toward corruption throughout the police force, irrespective of individuals’ ranks or positions.
