Chandigarh: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has granted prosecution sanction against suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a corruption case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
With the sanction approved, the case will now proceed before the CBI’s special court in Chandigarh. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for February 22.
Since Bhullar is an IPS officer, the CBI required prior approval from the central government to prosecute him. On Tuesday, the agency submitted the sanction order received from the Ministry of Home Affairs before the court. The CBI has also filed a supplementary chargesheet in the case, incorporating new evidence and additional witnesses, indicating further strengthening of the investigation.
Earlier, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had dismissed Bhullar’s bail petition, resulting in his continued judicial custody.
The CBI has booked Bhullar under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Bhullar was arrested by the CBI on October 16, 2025, from his office in Mohali. The agency had earlier arrested an alleged middleman, Krishanu Sharda, before taking Bhullar into custody. He is accused of accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh.
Following his arrest, searches were conducted at his residence, where the CBI reportedly recovered ₹7.5 crore in cash, expensive watches, liquor, and car keys.
