Harcharan Singh Bhullar sent to 5-day CBI remand; court orders 14-day judicial custody for middleman Krishanu
PTC Web Desk: The CBI on Thursday produced former Punjab DIG Harcharan Bhullar and middleman Krishanu Sharda in court after the completion of Bhullar’s five-day police remand in the bribery case.
During the hearing, the CBI sought an extension of Bhullar’s remand, citing the recovery of key documents, electronic devices, and cash from his residence. The agency argued that Bhullar’s financial records revealed suspicious transactions, including Rs 32 lakh deposited within two months, far exceeding his known sources of income.
The CBI counsel told the court that “no one, irrespective of rank or state, is above the law,” adding that the agency had acted within its jurisdiction after verifying the bribery complaint. The prosecution maintained that the evidence collected during interrogation linked Bhullar to property dealings through a Patiala-based broker, Bhupinder Singh.
Meanwhile, Bhullar’s counsel, HS Dhanoa, argued that the arrest was “illegal,” claiming that the CBI “has no jurisdiction to enter Punjab without the state government’s consent.” He further pointed out procedural discrepancies in the CBI’s case documents and questioned the timing and signatures on the complaint. The defense also cited earlier judgments of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court to support their claim.
According to sources, during interrogation, Bhullar and Sharda named 10 IPS and 4 IAS officers, allegedly involved in converting black money into real estate investments through Patiala-based Bhupinder Singh. The agency later conducted raids at Singh’s properties in Patiala and Ludhiana, seizing Rs 20 lakh in cash, documents, and electronic evidence. Notices may soon be issued to the officers mentioned during questioning, eight of whom are currently serving in field postings.
The CBI is also scrutinising Bhupinder Singh’s bank accounts and phone records to trace communication with senior officials suspected of involvement in the money-laundering network.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court sent middleman Krishanu Sharda to 14-day judicial custody, while former DIG Harcharan Bhullar has been remanded to CBI custody for another five days for further interrogation. He has also been sent to judicial custody in another case.
- PTC NEWS
