MHA Clears Prosecution of Punjab DIG Harcharan Bhullar

February 18, 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally accorded sanction to prosecute suspended Punjab Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a high-profile corruption case, clearing a key legal hurdle and allowing his trial to proceed in a competent court. The sanction order, dated January 23, 2026, was issued under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, authorities said.

 Basis for Sanction

The MHA examined the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s probe records and referred the matter to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which found sufficient material to establish a prima facie case of corruption against Bhullar. The prosecution sanction, issued in the name of the President of India, authorises action under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

 Supplementary Chargesheet Filed

Following the sanction, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet in the Special CBI Court in Chandigarh against Bhullar and his alleged associate, Kirshanu Sharda. This document incorporates material from forensic examination of mobile phones seized from both men. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on February 21.

 Allegations and Case Details

Bhullar, a 2009-batch Punjab-cadre IPS officer, was arrested in October 2025 in a bribery trap case based on a complaint alleging that he, through Sharda, demanded illegal gratification to settle an FIR registered at Sirhind police station. The CBI caught Sharda accepting ₹5 lakh on Bhullar’s behalf during a trap operation.

Investigators also seized large sums of cash, gold and silver articles, luxury watches, documents of immovable properties, vehicles and other assets from Bhullar’s premises during raids raising questions about disproportionate assets and misuse of official position.

 Bail Plea and Legal Status

Bhullar has remained in custody since his arrest. His plea for regular bail was recently dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, another legal setback ahead of the trial.

 Next Steps in Trial

With the MHA’s prosecution sanction and the supplementary chargesheet now filed, the case will proceed to trial before the Special CBI Court in Chandigarh, where both Bhullar and Sharda will face prosecution on corruption and related charges.