The Central Bureau of Investigation has lodged a case of disproportionate assets against former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, sources said on Wednesday.
He was placed under arrest on October 17 in connection with another case
The CBI’s FIR read that a regular case was lodged on October 16 under sections 61 (2) BNS and Section 7 & 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Bhullar, IPS, DIG (Ropar Range), Punjab Police, and Kirshanu on the basis of a complaint lodged by Akash Bara.
Accordingly, a trap was laid during which accused Kirshanu, a middleman, was caught red handed while accepting the bribe amount of Rs 5 lakh from the complainant, on behalf of Bhullar.
The CBI then arrested the Bhullar-Kirshanu duo for demanding and accepting illegal gratification from Batta.
“In continuation of the investigation of the said case, residential premises of accused Bhullar at Chandigarh, were searched. During the search, cash amounting to Rs. 7,36,90,000 was recovered, out of which Rs. 7,36,50,000 was seized. Further, Gold Jewellery and silver items for a total value of Rs. 2,32,07,686 (from the bedroom of Bhullar), 26 Branded and expensive watches were also recovered,” read the CBI’s FIR.
“Immovable property documents were also seized, which include documents of a House and flat of Chandigarh and documents pertaining to acquisition of agricultural land measuring around 150 acres in the districts of Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana and commercial properties in the name of Bhullar, his family members (comprising of wife Tejinder Kaur Bhullar, son Gurpartap Singh Bhullar and daughter Tejkiran Kaur Bhullar) and others.
“Bhullar and his family members were also found to be in possession of five vehicles including high-end vehicles such as Mercedes, Audi, Innova and Fortuner,” the CBI FIR says.
The CBI has alleged in the charge sheet that there was a balance of Rs 2.95 crore as on October 17 in five bank accounts and two fixed deposits (FDs) in the name of Bhullar and his family members.
The CBI noted that income tax of Rs.13,82.270 was paid by Bhullar on the said total income and as such his net income, after deduction of income tax, is Rs. 32 lakh approx. for the whole financial year 2024-2025.
“Luxury items, high-end vehicles and substantial bank balances/fixed deposits, prima facie reveal Bhullar, in connivance with unknown others, has acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income,” the CBI said.
The CBI has lodged an FIR for the offence punishable under Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and 61(2) of BNS 2023.