The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured another five-day remand of former Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who was arrested in connection with a bribe and corruption case on October 16. Bhullar was produced before the CBI court in Chandigarh on Thursday, along with his alleged middleman, Krishanu Sharda. The court, while extending Bhullar’s custody, sent Krishanu to 14 days of judicial remand.
Sources said the CBI argued for an extension on the grounds that several unaccounted transactions had been detected in Bhullar’s bank account. Officials revealed that over Rs 30 lakhs were deposited over a short period, which did not match his salary or declared income. The agency told the court it needed more time to trace the origin of these funds and establish whether they were linked to other officers or property deals under scrutiny.
During the proceedings, Bhullar’s lawyer objected to the remand, claiming the CBI had “no jurisdiction” to investigate a case within Punjab without the state government’s consent. He called the arrest “illegal,” citing past court rulings on CBI’s limited powers in non-consensual states.
The CBI, however, maintained that its actions were fully lawful, arguing that the offence involved a federal investigation since bribery falls under central jurisdiction. The prosecution also pointed out that Bhullar’s financial records suggested possible misuse of his position, warranting further custodial interrogation.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court extended Bhullar’s CBI remand for another five days. His lawyer was permitted to meet him in jail daily between 4 pm and 5 pm, as per a court order issued on Thursday.
According to officials aware of the developments, during the earlier phase of questioning, Bhullar and his aide Krishanu had allegedly disclosed names of senior Punjab bureaucrats, including 10 IPS and four IAS officers, who were suspected of channeling undeclared wealth through Patiala-based property dealer Bhupinder Singh. The CBI has since raided properties linked to Bhupinder in Patiala and Ludhiana on Tuesday, seizing documents, electronic devices, and cash.
While the CBI continues tightening its grip on the case, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, which had earlier registered a disproportionate assets case against Bhullar, still remains on the sidelines. Despite repeated efforts, the VB has not yet secured Bhullar’s custody. Officials privately admit that the state agency may have to “wait its turn,” as the CBI shows no signs of letting go of its most high-profile catch in Punjab’s recent corruption history.
