The case involving the bribery scandal concerning Punjab Police DIG (Ropar Range) Harcharan Singh Bhullar has new developments, particularly regarding the jailed key accused middleman, Krishanu Sharda, having visitors not connected to the case.
Krishanu Sharda is a former national-level hockey player from Nabha who transitioned to being a middleman. He was apprehended in October 2023 while taking a bribe of ₹8 lakh intended for DIG Bhullar. Sources said, aside from family members, other private individuals, reportedly some government officials, have had visits with Krishanu in Burail Jail. The report alleges that the visitors, who reportedly received some level of consideration, tried to convince Krishanu to keep quiet about other senior members of the corruption syndicate and absentee senior members of the cartel.
In light of these, a CBI court in Chandigarh has ordered the jail authorities to monitor all the visitors of Krishanu, which includes the collection of CCTV footage for the purposes of the investigation and for an undisclosed objective, to ensure the investigation's integrity.
Naresh Batta, a scrap dealer based in Mandi Gobindgarh, was the one to trigger the case after he lodged a complaint alleging that DIG Bhullar demanded a bribe from Krishanu to resolve a FIR against him from 2023 which was registered at the Sirhind police station.
Among the messages recovered during the investigation were orders from Bhullar to Krishanu to pick up ₹8 lakhs was seized.
When Krishanu was arrested, the raids on the properties of Bhullar were shocking, too. Cash amounting to 7.5 crores, 2.5 kilos of gold, 26 luxury watches, firearms, liquors, and documents to more than 50 properties located in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh were found, indicating Krishanu md Bhullar were part of a major syndicate targeted by the police.
Attending official police functions, Krishanu was seen almost every time close to senior police and political officers. He was the go-between the public and the corrupt police. He facilitated police favors, fast tracked cases, and cleared FIRs for a fee.
Both Bhullar and Krishanu were placed in 14-day judicial custody with ongoing hearings to extend remand for further investigation. Authorities are now taking the bribery network to Bhullar Krishanu and the officials to determine the extent of bribery.
As the investigation continues, the public hopes for clean justice and a functional reorganization of the law enforcement system.
