Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar into custody in a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged bribery case.
The development comes nearly a year after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Bhullar in October 2025 over allegations of bribery. The ED subsequently opened a separate investigation into suspected money laundering connected to the case.
Further details about the ED’s custody proceedings and the next stage of the investigation are awaited.
Why Has The ED Taken Harcharan Singh Bhullar Into Custody?
The ED’s investigation stems from a corruption case registered by the CBI against Bhullar in October 2025.
The complaint alleged that Bhullar, then posted as DIG of the Ropar Range, demanded illegal gratification through an intermediary in exchange for favourable treatment in a police case involving a complainant’s business.
The ED registered a money-laundering case in November 2025 to investigate suspected financial transactions linked to the alleged corruption. The agency has also examined assets and transactions allegedly connected to Bhullar and his associates.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation and have not, by themselves, established guilt.
What Is The CBI Bribery Case Against Bhullar?
The CBI arrested Bhullar on October 16, 2025, in connection with allegations that a bribe was sought through an intermediary, Krishanu Sharda.
According to the complaint outlined in court proceedings, the alleged demand was linked to favourable treatment in a police case registered at Sirhind. The CBI conducted a trap operation and arrested the intermediary and Bhullar.
Bhullar has challenged the corruption case, disputing the allegations and seeking discharge. The proceedings before the relevant courts are separate from the ED’s money-laundering investigation.
What Happens Next In The Money-Laundering Investigation?
The ED’s custody is expected to enable further questioning as the agency investigates the suspected movement of funds and transactions connected to the alleged corruption case.
The agency has previously searched premises linked to Bhullar and individuals it suspects may have acted as intermediaries or held assets on behalf of others.
Further details about the duration of custody, the agency’s submissions before the court and any subsequent judicial orders are awaited.
