Kataria says misconduct at senior level intolerable ; Punjab govt exploring legal options for termination
Ludhiana, October 25 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday again called for the immediate dismissal of suspended deputy inspector general, Rupnagar range Harcharan Singh Bhullar, whose arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has triggered one of the biggest corruption scandals in the state’s recent history. The governor’s remarks came even as the CBI carried out day-long raids at Bhullar’s sprawling farmhouses in village Bondli (Samrala) and village Mand Sherian (Machhiwara), extending the ongoing probe into his alleged web of bribery, benami holdings and disproportionate assets.
During his visit to Ludhiana, Governor Kataria said Bhullar’s removal from service should serve as a stern message to all government officers that corruption at any level would invite strict punishment. “Misconduct at this level cannot and should not be tolerated,” Kataria said, adding that the case had exposed “systemic decay” in the state’s administrative machinery.
Reiterating second time on this issue he observed that the recovery of crores in cash, gold and valuables from Bhullar’s properties called for introspection within the Punjab administration, which had failed to detect such large-scale wrongdoing despite having an extensive vigilance network. “When an officer at this rank indulges in corruption so openly, it shakes public faith in institutions,” he said.
Governor Kataria reiterated that corruption of this magnitude must be dealt with decisively, adding he said the removal of an officer accused of such grave misconduct will reinforce the principle that no one stands above the law.
Huge wealth found from Bhullar house Mentionably, Bhullar, a 2007-batch IPS officer, was arrested along with his middleman Krishanu Sharda by the CBI on October 16 for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 8 lakh from Mandi Gobindgarh based scrap dealer Akash Batta. He was suspended by the Punjab government on October 18 under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. Following his arrest, CBI raided on his multi-story residence in Sector 40 Chandigarh led to the recovery of Rs 7.5 crore in cash, 2.5 kg of gold, 26 luxury watches, four arms with 100 live cartridges, keys of bank lockers, multiple bank accounts and papers related to over 50 properties across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. In addition to this Rs 5.70 lakh cash, 108 bottles of premium liquor and
CBI conducts raids at Bhullar’s two farmhouses
Meanwhile, in an extensive follow-up operation, the CBI has conducted raids at Bhullar’s two farmhouses – Mehal Farm at Bondli village, Samrala and a 55-acre agricultural farm at village Mand Sherian near Machhiwara. The search, which began early morning and continued till late evening, involved a detailed examination of buildings, agricultural sheds, and storage areas. Officials inspected each room and some locked areas had to be forcibly opened during the operation.
Installed two transformers connected to separate grids at farm
Villagers said Bhullar had purchased the Mand Sherian farm about five to six years ago and installed two high-capacity power transformers connected to separate grids to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to his tubewells. The CBI suspects that the scale of agricultural infrastructure and property purchases far exceeds his declared income and is preparing a comprehensive valuation and inventory report as part of a forthcoming disproportionate assets case.
The agency has reportedly sought CCTV footage from Bhullar’s Chandigarh house to trace financial documents and individuals who may have visited him before his arrest.
Punjab may recommend Bhullar’s dismissal from service
The Punjab government, on its part, is studying the legal procedure to recommend Bhullar’s dismissal from service. Under Article 311 of the Constitution, only the President of India has the authority to remove an IPS officer from service after due process. While the state can recommend disciplinary action, the final approval must come from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Officials confirmed that no IPS officer in Punjab has ever been dismissed from service before, making Bhullar’s case an unprecedented test of accountability.
Unprecedented case in Punjab’s administrative history
With multiple criminal cases already pending, including charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Punjab Excise Act, and an anticipated disproportionate assets case, Bhullar now faces one of the most exhaustive investigations in the state’s administrative history.
