A major corruption scandal has rocked the Punjab Police after the CBI arrested DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar for demanding a ₹8 lakh bribe from a scrap dealer. The case took a dramatic turn when a WhatsApp audio surfaced, capturing the officer’s Punjabi voice saying, “8 kar de pura”, confirming his demand for the full amount. The CBI later recovered ₹5 crore in cash, luxury cars, 1.5 kg of gold, and 22 watches from Harcharan Singh Bhullar’s residence and office.
How the Audio Exposed DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar
The case began when a scrap dealer named Akash Bhatta complained to the CBI that Harcharan Singh Bhullar was demanding monthly “sewa-paani” bribes through a middleman named Kirshanu. These payments were allegedly for “settling” a 2023 FIR against Bhatta’s business.
In a WhatsApp conversation, Bhullar was heard instructing his aide:
“8 fadne ne 8” (Collect ₹8 lakh from him) and “Jinna denda nal nal fadi chal, ohnu kehde 8 kar de pura” (Collect whatever he gives and tell him to make it ₹8 lakh in total).
Another recording had Bhullar telling his middleman, “Edda kehna pata ki hai… kehnda hai August da ni aaya, September da ni aaya” — a clear hint about delayed monthly bribes. These audios, verified by the CBI, became crucial evidence in proving the bribe demand.
CBI’s Trap and Shocking Recoveries
Acting swiftly, the CBI laid a trap in Chandigarh’s Sector 21 and caught the middleman red-handed while accepting ₹8 lakh on Bhullar’s behalf. Later, Harcharan Singh Bhullar was arrested from his Mohali office.
Raids at his Sector 40 residence revealed ₹5 crore cash, luxury vehicles (Mercedes and Audi), 40 litres of imported liquor, gold jewellery, firearms, and property documents. A case has been registered under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Past Controversies of Harcharan Singh Bhullar
Before his Ropar posting, Harcharan Singh Bhullar served as DIG Patiala Range and Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau. He had previously led the SIT questioning SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug case but was later replaced amid controversy.
FAQs
Q1: What did Harcharan Singh Bhullar say in the viral Punjabi audio?
A: In the leaked clip, Harcharan Singh Bhullar is heard saying, “8 fadne ne 8” and “8 kar de pura,” confirming the bribe demand.
Q2: How much cash did the CBI recover from Harcharan Singh Bhullar’s house?
A: The CBI recovered ₹5 crore cash, gold, luxury watches, liquor, and documents from Harcharan Singh Bhullar’s residence.
Q3: Who exposed Harcharan Singh Bhullar’s bribery case?
A: Scrap dealer Akash Bhatta filed a complaint with the CBI, supported by WhatsApp call recordings.
Q4: What are the charges against Harcharan Singh Bhullar?
A: He faces charges under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
