Corruption – ED Raids Multiple Punjab Locations in Bhullar Case
Corruption – The Enforcement Directorate carried out coordinated searches across several cities in Punjab on Monday as part of an ongoing money laundering probe involving suspended senior police officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar.
Widespread Searches Across Key Punjab Cities
Officials familiar with the operation said teams from the Enforcement Directorate, supported by personnel from its Jalandhar office, conducted searches at 11 premises linked to Bhullar and individuals believed to be connected to him. These included properties suspected to be held under proxy ownership.
The raids spanned multiple locations, with two sites in Chandigarh, including Bhullar’s residence in Sector 40. Additional searches were carried out at five properties in Ludhiana, two in Patiala, and one each in Nabha and Jalandhar. The operation was executed simultaneously to prevent any potential movement of assets or evidence.
Focus on Money Laundering and Benami Assets
Investigators are working to establish the flow of funds and identify assets allegedly acquired through unlawful means. The case falls under the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which allows authorities to trace proceeds of crime and attach properties linked to financial wrongdoing.
Sources indicated that officials are examining financial records, property documents, and other materials recovered during the searches. The objective is to determine whether any assets were concealed through third parties or shell arrangements to avoid detection.
Background of the Case
Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who previously held the position of Deputy Inspector General in the Ropar Range, came under scrutiny following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in October last year. The action followed a complaint lodged by a scrap dealer based in Fatehgarh Sahib.
According to the complaint, Bhullar allegedly sought a bribe through an intermediary to resolve a case registered against the complainant’s business in 2023 at the Sirhind police station. The allegations triggered a formal investigation by the CBI.
Allegations of Bribery and Disproportionate Assets
The CBI registered two separate cases against Bhullar. The first relates to alleged corruption, after an associate, identified as Krishanu Sharda, was reportedly caught accepting Rs 5 lakh. Investigators stated that this payment was part of a larger alleged demand of Rs 8 lakh.
The second case involves accusations that Bhullar accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. During earlier searches at his Chandigarh residence, authorities reportedly recovered significant quantities of cash and valuables.
Seizure of Cash and Valuables
Officials involved in the earlier investigation claimed that cash amounting to Rs 7.36 crore was found at Bhullar’s residence. In addition, gold and silver jewellery valued at approximately Rs 2.32 crore was seized. Investigators also reported recovering 26 high-end wristwatches, further adding to the list of assets under scrutiny.
These findings played a key role in strengthening the case and prompted further action under anti-money laundering laws. Authorities are now working to link these assets to alleged illegal activities and determine whether additional undisclosed holdings exist.
Ongoing Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate’s current searches are part of a broader effort to piece together the financial trail associated with the case. Officials are expected to continue examining documents and digital evidence collected during the raids.
No official statement has yet been issued detailing the outcome of Monday’s operation. However, sources suggest that further action, including possible attachment of assets or additional questioning of individuals involved, may follow based on the evidence gathered.
The case remains under active investigation as agencies coordinate to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities.