Chandigarh, October 14: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Chandigarh Zonal Office, has arrested Harjinder Singh Bhullar, the then Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ropar Range, Punjab Police, in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to alleged corruption, bribery and possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
According to the ED press release dated October 12, 2026, Bhullar was arrested on October 9, 2026, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The Special Court (PMLA), Chandigarh, subsequently granted the agency eight days of custody to facilitate further investigation.
CBI and Anti-Corruption Bureau Also Initiated Investigation
The money laundering investigation was initiated on the basis of two preliminary First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Chandigarh, against Bhullar and Krishanu Sharada under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The ED’s investigation has focused on alleged proceeds of crime generated through corrupt practices and the suspected acquisition of assets beyond known sources of income.
Alleged Bribery Demand of ₹8 Lakh
During the investigation, the ED reportedly found that Bhullar had allegedly sought illegal gratification through Krishanu Sharada in connection with extending undue benefits in a criminal matter.
According to the agency, a demand of ₹8 lakh was allegedly made, of which ₹5 lakh was reportedly accepted through Sharada. The amount is alleged to have been linked to the disposal of the criminal matter and the extension of undue favour to the complainant.
The agency further alleged that the money constituted proceeds of crime and that the investigation revealed a suspected nexus involving bribery and the use of intermediaries.
Cash, Jewellery and Other Assets Recovered
The ED stated that searches conducted in connection with the case led to the recovery of cash and other valuable assets.
According to the press release, cash amounting to approximately ₹2.32 crore was recovered, along with jewellery, luxury vehicles, bank deposit records and documents relating to substantial immovable properties.
The agency is examining the origin, ownership and acquisition of these assets to determine whether they were connected with alleged proceeds of crime or represented assets disproportionate to known sources of income.
Cash Worth ₹8.35 Lakh Seized, Bank Accounts Frozen
The ED also stated that, during searches conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA, cash amounting to approximately ₹8.35 lakh was seized.
In addition, bank accounts containing approximately ₹1.42 crore were frozen as part of the investigation. The agency is examining the financial transactions and related documentary evidence to establish the alleged money trail.
Investigation Continues
The ED is continuing its investigation to establish the complete financial trail, identify the alleged proceeds of crime and determine the role of individuals who may have been involved in the suspected corruption and money laundering network.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The arrest and recovery of assets do not, by themselves, establish guilt.
Further investigation is underway.(KNC)
