CBI Arrests Ropar DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar on Bribery Charges; Seizes Cash, Jewellery, Luxury Watches

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Ropar Range DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar along with a middleman at his Mohali office on charges of demanding bribes. The arrests follow a complaint by an iron merchant from Fatehgarh Sahib district, who alleged that Bhullar had demanded Rs 8 lakh to “settle” a case against him.

The CBI also conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the officer, seizing around Rs 5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold jewellery, 22 luxury watches, keys to an Audi and Mercedes, locker keys, 40 litres of imported liquor, and firearms including a pistol, revolver, and double-barrelled gun, along with documents related to immovable properties across Punjab, the agency said. From the middleman, an additional Rs 21 lakh in cash was recovered.

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Trap Operation and Arrest Details

According to the CBI, a controlled operation was executed in Chandigarh’s Sector 21. During the sting, Bhullar allegedly acknowledged the payment and directed both the complainant and middleman to his office, where they were apprehended. The case pertains to an FIR of iron and steel theft registered against the complainant, who reportedly faced coercive action from the police.

The investigation is ongoing, with CBI teams from Delhi and Chandigarh jointly handling the operation. Both accused are scheduled to be produced in court on Friday.

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Career Background of the Officer

Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer, previously served as SSP Mohali and DIG Patiala Range, before being posted to Ropar Range on November 27, 2024. He also headed the Special Investigation Team that questioned senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a high-profile drug smuggling probe.

The CBI registered the case on October 16, 2025, alleging that Bhullar had demanded the bribe and monthly illegal gratification through a middleman to ensure that no further coercive action was taken against the complainant’s business.