Suspended Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar on Thursday filed an application before the Special CBI Court in Chandigarh seeking discharge from the corruption case registered against him in 2025. The court issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation, directing it to submit a reply to the application.
Bhullar challenges CBI jurisdiction and evidence
In his plea, Bhullar argued that the CBI lacked the jurisdiction to register the First Information Report against him under the law. He further contended that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegations of demand or acceptance of a bribe. The application also highlighted that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory report did not conclusively establish that the voice recording presented as evidence belonged to Bhullar.
Background of the case
The FIR was registered based on a complaint by Akash Batta, who alleged that Bhullar, then posted as DIG of Ropar Range, had demanded illegal gratification through a private intermediary, Krishanu Sharda. The demand was purportedly made in exchange for favorable treatment in an FIR registered at Sirhind police station and for ensuring no coercive action was taken against Batta's business.
Following the complaint, the CBI conducted a trap operation. On October 16, 2025, Krishanu Sharda was apprehended while allegedly accepting Rs 5 lakh as part of the demanded bribe from the complainant. Bhullar was arrested the same day. The CBI filed a chargesheet under Section 193 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on December 3, 2025.
Previous court proceedings
During the previous hearing on June 6, the Special CBI Court dismissed Bhullar's application seeking to declare the prosecution sanction granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs invalid. The matter was then adjourned to July 2 for arguments on charges.
Meanwhile, Bhullar's application seeking regular bail in the corruption case remains pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court is yet to decide on the bail plea.
