CBI Opposes Discharge Pleas Filed by Suspended Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and Krishanu Sharda

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has strongly opposed the discharge applications filed by suspended Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his alleged associate, Krishanu Sharda, in a corruption case registered last year. The two accused had approached a Special CBI Court seeking to be discharged from the case. Appearing for Bhullar, advocate SPS Bhullar argued that the CBI had no legal authority to register the case against his client. He further contended that there was no evidence to establish that any bribe had been demanded or accepted, contrary to the allegations made by the investigating agency. The defence also submitted that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report did not conclusively establish that the voice recorded in the alleged conversation belonged to the accused. Opposing the discharge pleas, CBI public prosecutor Narendra Singh argued that the investigation had established that Harcharan Singh Bhullar, while serving as DIG of the Ropar Range, entered into a criminal conspiracy with Krishanu Sharda. According to the prosecution, Sharda acted as an intermediary to demand and accept an illegal bribe from complainant Akash Batta on Bhullar's behalf. The CBI further argued that its original jurisdiction lies in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. On that basis, the agency registered the FIR against Bhullar and Sharda over allegations of demanding and accepting an illegal bribe of Rs 5 lakh. According to the case, the FIR was registered on a complaint filed by Akash Batta. The complaint alleged that Bhullar, who was serving as DIG, Ropar Range, Punjab Police at the time, demanded an illegal bribe through private intermediary Krishanu Sharda. The alleged demand was made in exchange for ensuring favourable action in an FIR registered at Sirhind Police Station and for preventing any stringent action against the complainant's business. Following the complaint, the CBI laid a trap. During the operation, Krishanu Sharda was allegedly caught on October 16, 2025, while accepting Rs 5 lakh from the complainant as part of the alleged bribe. Bhullar was also arrested on the same day. The CBI subsequently filed the chargesheet in the case on December 3, 2025.