CBI interrogates Bhullar with Krishanu ; Mum on amassing wealth, huge cash
Chandigarh, November 2, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – In a day marked by intense legal wrangling between two powerful investigating agencies, a special CBI court in Chandigarh on Saturday handed over five-day custody of suspended Ropar Range DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar till November 6 to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The order came after hours of arguments between the CBI and the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), both of which sought Bhullar’s remand in separate cases.
The high-voltage courtroom episode unfolded across two locations, the Sector 43 special CBI court in Chandigarh and the Mohali Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court, where the VB had simultaneously filed an application seeking Bhullar’s production in a newly registered Disproportionate Assets (DA) case.
CBI secures remand despite VB’s push
CBI prosecutor Narender Singh had to shuttle between both courts during the day as the agencies contested jurisdiction. Ultimately, Special CBI Judge Bhawna Jain allowed the CBI’s plea and granted five days’ remand till November 6. The court observed that large volumes of digital evidence and financial data recovered from Bhullar’s mobile phones required detailed custodial interrogation to trace the bribe money trail and identify potential accomplices.
“The magnitude of data extracted and the nature of conversations indicate a deeper conspiracy involving multiple individuals,” the court noted. “A fair and effective investigation demands that the accused be confronted with the findings.”
Chats reveal ‘pattern of influence’
In its arguments, the CBI informed the court that Bhullar’s two seized mobile phones contained extensive chats and call records suggesting attempts to influence judicial officers and manipulate decisions. Prosecutor Narender Singh said several communications reflected “a structured pattern of undue influence and misuse of authority” by Bhullar and his associates.
The agency further maintained that Bhullar’s custody was essential to recover concealed electronic devices and verify suspicious financial transactions. It also requested time to cross-examine him alongside his conduit Krishanu Sharda, who remains in CBI custody.
Defence cites lack of state consent
Bhullar’s defence counsel argued that the CBI had arrested him without obtaining the Punjab government’s consent, as required under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, since he was serving under the state’s jurisdiction.
However, the court rejected this argument, observing that Bhullar was arrested on October 16 and his counsel had not previously challenged the arrest or jurisdiction. The court held that the complaint, trap operation, Krishanu’s phone calls with Bhullar and recovery all took place within Chandigarh’s territorial limits, giving the CBI full jurisdiction to proceed.
“This case involves serious allegations of bribery against a senior police officer,” court said. “There is no indication that the FIR registered or the arrest made by the CBI was beyond its authority.”
VB’s case and CBI’s response
The VB had, a day earlier, registered its own DA case against Bhullar at the VB police station Mohali. On Saturday morning, it sought his production warrant from the Mohali court. When the CBI learned of the move, it swiftly filed a counter-application in Chandigarh seeking custody and informed the Mohali CJM about its proceedings.
As arguments began in the CBI court, VB officials reached the courtroom and insisted that Bhullar be handed over to them for questioning in their case. The debate grew heated as both sides pressed their claims of investigative priority.
After considering the submissions, the CBI court dismissed the VB’s objection, ruling that the state FIR would not obstruct the central agency’s fair investigation into the main corruption case. The judge clarified that the VB could interrogate Bhullar later within the legal framework but that CBI’s investigation would take precedence at this stage.
Emotional scene in court
Inside the courtroom, Bhullar appeared calm and composed. His daughter was present during the hearing and appeared visibly emotional. After the remand order was pronounced, Bhullar briefly embraced his daughter and exchanged a few words before being escorted by security personnel to the court’s lock-up.
Digital trail strengthens case
During the proceedings, the CBI presented critical digital evidence recovered from Bhullar’s phones, pointing to systematic communication regarding bribes and possible manipulation of official decisions. The agency claimed that several electronic devices remain hidden and that significant financial transactions are still under investigation.
The CBI prosecutor argued that notice under Section 41A CrPC was not required in such cases involving bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), particularly when the accused was caught through a trap operation.
Four cases and counting
With the VB’s new DA case, Harcharan Singh Bhullar is now facing four separate criminal cases. Two have been registered by the CBI, one under the PCA for demanding a bribe and another DA case related to disproportionate wealth. The Punjab Police at Samrala has also booked him under the Punjab Excise Act for illegally storing liquor at his farmhouse. The VB’s recent case marks his fourth active probe.
What lies ahead
Bhullar’s CBI custody is expected to focus on tracing the money trail, identifying potential co-conspirators and verifying his foreign property transactions allegedly held in Dubai and Canada. The agency also plans to confront him with data recovered from his co-accused Krishanu Sharda’s diary and digital devices.
As the courtroom battles between state and central agencies intensify, the Bhullar case now stands as one of the most complex corruption investigations in Punjab’s recent history, exposing deep layers of power, money and influence within the state’s policing hierarchy.
