5 crore cash, 1.5 kg gold, luxury cars like Mercedes-Audi... what was found from the hideouts of the corrupt DIG?

Chandigarh: A senior police officer in Punjab, DIG Harcharan Bhullar, has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of five lakh rupees. The officer was serving as DIG of the Ropar range. After his arrest, CBI teams carried out raids at his homes and offices. What they found shocked investigators and the public alike. Piles of cash, gold, and luxury cars pointed to massive corruption. The case has raised questions on integrity within the state police.

Crores In Cash And Gold

During the searches, CBI recovered an estimated five crore rupees in cash. Investigators also found one and a half kilograms of gold ornaments. Documents related to several flats and plots of land were seized. Expensive luxury cars including Mercedes and Audi models were traced to the officer. Authorities are still counting the seized money, and officials say the figure could rise further. The discoveries have exposed how deep the corruption ran. Ordinary citizens expressed anger after hearing details of the wealth hoarded.

Bribe Demand Of Eight Lakhs

According to CBI, the case began with a complaint from a businessman. He alleged that DIG Bhullar had demanded eight lakh rupees through a close associate. The bribe was meant to “settle” an FIR and ensure no further action was taken. Reports suggest that the officer had also been demanding regular monthly payments. This pattern of harassment forced the complainant to approach authorities. CBI verified the claims through surveillance. Once the evidence was confirmed, a trap was planned. The entire operation was conducted under strict secrecy.

Trap Laid In Chandigarh

The trap unfolded in Chandigarh’s Sector-21 area. CBI officers caught Bhullar’s associate while taking the first installment of eight lakh rupees. During the operation, a controlled phone call was made to the DIG. In this conversation, Bhullar confirmed receipt of the bribe amount. He even instructed the complainant to meet him at his office. This provided enough proof for the investigators. Soon after, the CBI moved in and arrested the DIG from his workplace. The arrest sent shockwaves through the police department.

2009 Batch IPS Officer Arrested

DIG Harcharan Bhullar is a 2009 batch IPS officer. His arrest has embarrassed the Punjab police force at a time when it faces rising public scrutiny. Officials confirmed that Bhullar was posted in Ropar at the time of arrest. Alongside him, a private individual was also detained. Both are now facing detailed interrogation. The recovery of luxury assets has raised suspicion of years of corruption. Investigators are expected to question more associates in the coming days. The scandal has widened into one of Punjab’s biggest corruption cases.

CBI Expands Its Investigation Further

The CBI is now tracing the financial trail behind the recovered wealth. Investigators are examining whether more people were involved in the illegal transactions. Sources say multiple bank accounts and property papers have been found. These are being checked for links to bribes and illegal money. Officials also suspect that more assets may be hidden in different locations. The agency plans to conduct further raids if needed. For now, the case has revealed a disturbing picture of corruption at senior levels.

Public Anger Over Police Corruption

The shocking arrest has triggered public anger across Punjab. People expressed disappointment that a senior officer meant to protect law was instead abusing his position for personal gain. Political parties have demanded strict punishment. Legal experts say the strong evidence gives CBI a solid case. If convicted, Bhullar could face serious jail time and dismissal from service. The scandal has also damaged public trust in policing. For many, the incident highlights the urgent need for greater accountability. The case is still under active investigation by the CBI.