Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Suspended Punjab Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who has been lodged in jail for nearly a year, appeared before a Chandigarh court on Friday. After the hearing, Bhullar told reporters that he could not comment on the matter at present. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also obtained production warrants to bring him before the court and may take him into custody as part of its money laundering investigation.
Bhullar had broken down in tears before the court on Thursday. During the hearing, he alleged that complainant Akash Batta was defaming him on public platforms and repeatedly making allegations against his character, causing him embarrassment in society. Bhullar told the judge that he also had daughters and daughters-in-law in his family and that the allegations were affecting his dignity.
Meanwhile, Bhullar and the lawyer representing his alleged middleman, Krishnu Sharda, cross-examined Batta in connection with the bribery case. Batta has already testified against both accused before the CBI court, and the defence lawyers are now questioning him as part of the trial.
Arrest in Alleged ₹8 Lakh Bribery Case
The CBI arrested Bhullar on October 16 last year over allegations that he had demanded a bribe of ₹8 lakh from Akash Batta, a businessman from Mandi Gobindgarh. According to the allegations, Batta was threatened with arrest in a criminal case.
After Batta approached the CBI with a complaint, the agency arrested Bhullar and Krishnu Sharda in connection with the case.
Cash and Gold Recovered During Search
During a search of Bhullar's residence in Sector 40, Chandigarh, the CBI reportedly recovered approximately ₹7.5 crore in cash and around 2.5 kilograms of gold.
With the ED now pursuing a money laundering investigation, Bhullar could face further legal proceedings in connection with the alleged financial irregularities. Any decision on his custody will be subject to the legal process.
