Crackdown on Corruption: ED Targets Former Punjab DIG

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday launched a series of searches across multiple locations in Punjab to intensify a money laundering probe against former state police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, officials confirmed.

Investigations are reportedly spanning 11 properties in areas including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, Nabha, and Jalandhar, all linked to Bhullar, his associates, and alleged benamidars. The searches fall under the purview of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), aiming to expose further proceeds of alleged criminal activities, identify benami assets, and gather crucial evidence on money laundering.

This operation follows a Central Bureau of Investigation case against Bhullar, where he faced allegations of soliciting illegal gratification via a middleman for resolving a criminal issue, coupled with assets disproportionate to his known income. Bhullar, formerly the deputy inspector general of police (Ropar Range), was detained by the CBI in October 2025 after accusations from a scrap dealer who alleged the demand for a bribe to settle a case.

(With inputs from agencies.)