The investigation into the corruption case involving suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar appears to be opening up a much wider trail, with a senior Punjab officer reportedly coming under the scanner of central investigative agencies.
According to sources familiar with the developments, investigators have gathered substantial documentary and electronic evidence while examining the alleged network linked to Bhullar and his arrested associate and intermediary, Kirshanu Sharda. The investigation is no longer confined to the original bribery allegations and is also examining suspected transactions involving other public servants and private individuals.
A significant development in the investigation is understood to be a diary recovered from Sharda’s residence. Sources claim that the diary contains several references to financial dealings and official favours, with the name of one senior Punjab officer figuring prominently. Investigators are reportedly examining these entries alongside digital communications, financial records and other documentary evidence to establish whether the references correspond to actual transactions.
Sources further indicate that central agencies have gathered substantial material against the officer in question. The identity of the officer and the nature of the alleged transactions have not been officially disclosed, and the claims remain subject to verification by investigators.
The case originated with the arrest of then DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and Kirshanu Sharda by the CBI on October 16, 2025. The arrests followed a complaint by Mandi Gobindgarh-based businessman Akash Batta, who alleged that illegal gratification was demanded through Sharda in connection with a police case registered against him.
The CBI’s investigation subsequently brought several electronic devices, digital communications and a diary recovered from Sharda’s residence under scrutiny. Court proceedings have also recorded the agency’s concerns about suspected dealings involving other public servants.
In February 2026, the CBI informed the court that it was independently examining material relating to other public servants and private individuals. Subsequently, in April 2026, a special CBI court permitted the transfer of key documents, electronic records, mobile phones and the diary to a separate preliminary enquiry into suspected corruption transactions involving unidentified public servants.
Suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar is currently facing legal proceedings in connection with the corruption and money-laundering cases. The CBI has filed a chargesheet in the bribery case, and the trial proceedings are moving forward. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had dismissed his second bail plea on August 10, 2026. Subsequently, on September 15, the Supreme Court declined to grant him immediate relief and deferred consideration of his bail plea, indicating that the matter could be taken up after the statements of key witnesses were recorded.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Bhullar on October 9, 2026, in the money-laundering case, and the court granted the agency eight days of custody for questioning. Both the CBI and ED are continuing their respective investigations into different aspects of the case.
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the money-laundering angle, including alleged proceeds of crime, financial transactions and assets connected with the case. The agency is examining the financial trail to establish whether other individuals or entities benefited from the alleged transactions.
According to sources, the examination of the diary, digital evidence and financial records has assumed considerable importance in identifying other possible beneficiaries of the alleged network.
Sources indicate that the wider investigation has reached an advanced stage, with agencies focusing on cross-verifying documentary evidence, identifying individuals mentioned in the recovered material and establishing the financial trail.
The possibility of further action against other individuals cannot be ruled out if the evidence establishes their involvement. However, there has been no official confirmation identifying the senior officer reportedly mentioned prominently in the diary or declaring the wider investigation complete.
The coming developments in the Bhullar case could prove significant for the investigation into alleged corruption networks involving public servants in Punjab.
