Chandigarh: A CBI court in Chandigarh on Friday rejected the bail application of suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who is facing charges in a corruption case. The court accepted the prosecution’s argument that granting bail could affect the case proceedings.
Arrest in Bribery Case
Bhullar was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 16, 2025, along with his alleged aide Kirishanu Sharda. The arrests were made after a trap was laid following allegations that Bhullar had sought a bribe through a middleman.
The case originated from a complaint filed on October 11 by Akash Batta, a scrap trader from Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Batta alleged that Bhullar demanded illegal gratification to settle an FIR registered in 2023 at Sirhind police station and to prevent further action against his business. After verifying the complaint, the CBI conducted a trap operation and arrested both accused along with the bribe money.
Arguments by Defence and Prosecution
Bhullar’s counsel argued that the investigation was complete and the challan had already been filed, claiming there was no risk of witness tampering. However, the public prosecutor opposed the bail, stating that Bhullar could influence witnesses if released.
Earlier Relief Denied
The court agreed with the prosecution and dismissed the bail plea. Earlier, Bhullar’s default bail application in a disproportionate assets case had also been rejected. Additionally, the Supreme Court had refused to grant him interim bail or stay the CBI proceedings.
Bhullar remains lodged in judicial custody at Burail Jail in Chandigarh as the legal proceedings against him continue.