Punjab: Suspended DIG HS Bhullar arrested by ED, granted 8-day custody

October 12, 2026

Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Harcharan Singh Bhullar, the then Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Ropar Range of the Punjab Police, in a money laundering case. The Special Court (PMLA), Chandigarh, has remanded him to ED custody for eight days. According to an official statement, Bhullar was arrested on October 9 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Investigation into Corruption and Disproportionate Assets

The ED’s Chandigarh Zonal Office-1 has taken this action in a money laundering case involving allegations of corruption and possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Following his arrest, Bhullar was produced before the Special PMLA Court, which ordered his eight-day custody.

The ED had previously arrested Krishanu Sharda in this case on September 18. According to the agency, Sharda allegedly acted as a middleman for Bhullar.

Allegation of demanding a bribe of Rs. 8 lakh

The ED’s investigation was initiated based on two FIRs registered by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Chandigarh. These cases were registered against Bhullar, Krishanu Sharda, and others under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

According to the ED, the investigation revealed that Bhullar allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs. 8 lakh through Krishanu Sharda in exchange for undue favors in a criminal case. The agency alleges that Rs. 5 lakh of this amount was accepted through Sharda. In return, the complainant was assured of settling the criminal case and being allowed to continue his business without police interference.

Crores in cash and jewelry recovered during raid

According to the ED, during the CBI search of Bhullar’s residence, ₹7.37 crore in cash and jewelry worth ₹2.32 crore were recovered. In addition, documents related to luxury watches, expensive vehicles, bank deposits, and a large number of immovable properties were also found.

During the search under Section 17 of the PMLA, the ED seized ₹8.35 lakh in cash and froze bank accounts with a balance of approximately ₹1.42 crore. The agency says that preliminary investigations have revealed Bhullar’s role in acquiring, possessing, concealing, and utilizing the alleged proceeds of crime.