Krishanu’s testimony sparks heat on senior officers, family silent
From power to prison : Bhullar to mark Diwali in jail
Chandigarh, October 21, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) — The noose appears to be tightening further around suspended Punjab DIG Ropar Range, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) likely to expand its inquiry into a web of corruption, benami assets and alleged links with multiple senior officers and politicians. Currently lodged in Chandigarh’s Burail Jail, Bhullar will celebrate Diwali behind bars this week as the CBI digs deeper into revelations made by his close conduit, Krishanu Sharda, during interrogation.
In one of the most startling recoveries in recent months, the CBI has seized Rs 7.50 crore cash, gold ornaments weighing approximately 2.5 kilograms along with 26 premium watches, 40 litres foreign liquor, four arms with ammunition, keys of two luxury cars- Mercedes Benz and Audi and high-end household items during raids at Bhullar’s Mohali residence and Rs 7.50 lakh cash besides premium liquor from his farmhouse at Bondli village near Samrala.
Investigators also discovered property papers indicating ownership of multiple residential and commercial plots in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh besides investment deeds and documents pointing to benami holdings in the names of relatives and associates. His luxury vehicles are also under verification to establish their ownership trail and purchase history.
In his 2024 property declaration, Bhullar had listed only eight assets worth around Rs 14 crore — a fraction of what was found during searches. The sheer scale of wealth amassed has raised uncomfortable questions about how a serving officer could accumulate such assets without scrutiny.
CBI to widens probe into DIG Bhullar’s corruption web ; 8 DSPs, others under scanner
According to sources, intermediary Krishanu Sharda, arrested in this 8 lakh bribery case, made explosive disclosures during his questioning, reportedly admitting that the Rs 21 lakh recovered from his residence, also belonged to DIG Bhullar. More significantly, Krishanu is said to have named several high-profile officers and officials from administration and police force with whom he and Bhullar have allegedly maintained close “operational associations” for illicit acts and administrative favours.
Behind the uniform and authority, investigators say, Bhullar ran a parallel world of power and pay-offs that has now brought his career and reputation crashing down.
Krishanu’s explosive claims under scanner
Sources said the CBI is now examining Krishanu’s revelations in detail and may soon question some of these senior officers identified during the interrogation. “Certain interactions and financial dealings described by the conduit point towards a broader network of influence and exchange. The agency is assessing these claims and likely to summon individuals if corroborative evidence supports the testimony,” a CBI official said on condition of anonymity.
CBI may question Bhullar inside jail
As per legal procedure, the CBI has the option to interrogate Bhullar inside the jail premises after obtaining court permission. His statements could be recorded and video-documented under supervision. If required for identification, confrontation, or cross-examination, Bhullar may also be produced outside the jail under a production warrant, pending court approval.
DSPs under radar
Sources confirmed that about eight DSPs have come under the agency’s radar and may be called in for questioning soon. Some of them, sources said, even leaving Chandigarh at night to stay in Punjab so as to evade potential summons. “These officers are being tracked discreetly. Once documentation and corroboration are complete, formal notices will follow,” an investigator said.
Solitary Diwali in Burail Jail
Bhullar’s once powerful position has given way to quiet confinement and he will celebrate his first Diwali behind bars, with no special privileges. He has reportedly received no visitors since his incarceration except family. Prison sources said he follows a modest routine, eating the same dal, sabzi and chapati as other inmates and sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor with a pillow and blanket provided by the jail administration. He remains mostly silent, spends time alone and avoids interaction with others.
Family maintains distance amid controversy
Bhullar, who hails from a well-known background, lives with his family in Sector 40 Chandigarh m. He is married and has a son and a daughter. Since Bhullar’s arrest, his family has maintained a low profile, avoiding public appearances and contact with the media.
Associations with religious and social organisations
Bhullar’s links with several social and religious bodies, are also under investigation, through which he may have expanded his influence network. He is associated with the Gatka Federation of India and Punjab Gatka Association since about 17 years and also linked with the Sarbat Da Bhala Trust, launched by Surinderpal Singh Oberoi, a known philanthropist. Additionally, Bhullar reportedly serves as a member of the Akal College Council, Mastuana Sahib, in Sangrur district.
With the mounting evidence of undisclosed wealth, benami assets and revelations implicating high-ranking officers, the CBI probe into DIG Bhullar’s case has evolved into a multi-layered investigation of influence, money and misuse of power, that could potentially expose one of Punjab’s most intricate corruption networks in recent years.
Meanwhile the opposition parties have demanded a full inquiry into the alleged nexus between officers and businessmen, while the state government has promised that no one, regardless of rank, will be spared.
