The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally opposed the discharge applications filed by suspended Punjab Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his alleged associate Krishanu Sharda. The pleas were submitted before the special CBI court in Chandigarh, seeking dismissal of the corruption case registered against them last year.
Defense Arguments Rejected by CBI
Bhullar's counsel, SPS Bhullar, contended that the CBI lacked the legal authority to register a case against his client. He further argued that there was no evidence of demand or acceptance of a bribe, as alleged by the investigating agency. The defense also pointed out that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report did not conclusively establish that the voice recordings belonged to the accused.
Case Background and Allegations
The FIR was lodged based on a complaint from Akash Batta, who alleged that Bhullar, then posted as DIG of the Ropar Range in Punjab Police, demanded illegal gratification through Sharda, a private intermediary. The bribe was sought to secure favorable treatment in an FIR registered at Police Station Sirhind and to prevent coercive action against Batta's business.
Following the complaint, the CBI laid a trap. On October 16, 2025, Sharda was apprehended while allegedly accepting Rs 5,00,000 as part of the demanded bribe from the complainant. Bhullar was arrested the same day. The charge sheet was subsequently filed on December 3, 2025.
Prosecution's Stance
Narender Singh, Public Prosecutor for the CBI, argued that the investigation established a criminal conspiracy between Bhullar and Sharda. According to the prosecution, Sharda acted as a middleman to demand and accept illegal gratification from Batta. The evidence collected includes continuous demand, agreement to accept the bribe, acceptance of part payment, recovery of tainted money, electronic evidence, controlled conversations, and other corroborative material linking both accused to the offenses.
Singh emphasized that the CBI has original jurisdiction in the Union Territory of Chandigarh, where the offense occurred. Therefore, the FIR was validly registered against Bhullar and Sharda for demanding and accepting illegal gratification of Rs 5 lakh.
