Corruption Scandal Unfolds: ED Raids Linked to Suspended Punjab DIG

The Enforcement Directorate has initiated a series of raids in connection with a corruption case involving suspended Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar. This investigation follows allegations of soliciting bribes through intermediaries for settling criminal cases and discovering assets that do not align with known income sources. The ED's actions are part of a broader probe that has already seen involvement from the CBI and the Anti-Corruption Bureau. As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to uncover further evidence and trace illicit financial activities linked to the accused. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 11:24 IST

ED Conducts Raids in Punjab Corruption Case

Chandigarh: On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated search operations as part of a corruption investigation involving the suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, among others, under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002, according to sources.

This action follows the registration of predicate offences by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Chandigarh, which relate to allegations of soliciting bribes through intermediaries for resolving a criminal case, as well as the discovery of assets that appear disproportionate to legitimate income.

Sources indicate that searches are being conducted at 11 locations, including two in Chandigarh, five in Ludhiana, two in Patiala, one in Nabha, and one in Jalandhar, all connected to the accused, their associates, and suspected 'benamidars'.

The purpose of these searches is to uncover additional proceeds of crime, identify benami properties, and collect evidence pertinent to money laundering, the sources noted.

The investigation is ongoing.

Previously, the CBI informed a special court that its investigation has uncovered numerous meetings, negotiations for favours, and the alleged exchange of bribes occurring within Chandigarh's jurisdiction.

The agency described a 'structured network' of 'middlemen facilitating bribery' and indicated potential criminal misconduct by various unidentified public officials.

The CBI's current investigation commenced on February 19, targeting unnamed public servants and private individuals based on a complaint from a CBI inspector.

This case is a continuation of a prior investigation initiated in October 2025, during which a middleman was reportedly caught soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh on behalf of the then-DIG Bhullar.

The prosecution claims that the case originated from a complaint alleging that Bhullar, while serving as DIG of the Ropar Range, solicited illegal payments through an intermediary to provide favours in a criminal matter.

In October 2025, a trap was set, resulting in the co-accused being apprehended while accepting part of the bribe.