The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a money-laundering probe linked to alleged corruption and disproportionate assets. The Special PMLA Court, Chandigarh has granted 8 days’ ED custody, while the investigation also involves alleged bribe payments and substantial cash, jewellery, bank balances and property-related assets.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Chandigarh Zonal Office-I, has arrested Harcharan Singh Bhullar, the then Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ropar Range, Punjab Police, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 in connection with an investigation involving alleged corruption and possession of assets disproportionate to known sources of income.
Bhullar was arrested on October 9, 2026, and was subsequently produced before the Special PMLA Court, Chandigarh, which granted the ED 8 days’ custody for further investigation.
The ED probe originates from two FIRs registered by the CBI, ACB Chandigarh against Harcharan Singh Bhullar, Kirshanu Sharda and others under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the ED, Bhullar allegedly demanded illegal gratification through Kirshanu Sharda in connection with extending undue favour in a criminal matter. An amount of ₹8 lakh was allegedly demanded, out of which ₹5 lakh was allegedly accepted through Sharda for settling the criminal case and allowing the complainant to continue business without police interference.
Kirshanu Sharda had earlier been arrested by the ED on September 18, 2026 under the PMLA for allegedly acting as a middleman or conduit.
During earlier searches conducted by the CBI at Bhullar’s residence, investigators reportedly recovered ₹7.37 crore in cash and jewellery valued at ₹2.32 crore, along with luxury watches, high-end vehicles, bank deposits and documents relating to extensive immovable properties.
The ED further stated that searches conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA resulted in seizure of approximately ₹8.35 lakh in cash and freezing of bank accounts containing balances of around ₹1.42 crore.
According to the agency, the investigation has prima facie revealed alleged involvement of Bhullar in the acquisition, possession, concealment and utilisation of suspected proceeds of crime.
The ED has stated that further investigation is in progress. Source - ED Press Release