The CBI requested an extension of Bhullar’s custody, referring to the retrieval of crucial documents, electronic devices, and money from his home.
The CBI on Thursday presented former Punjab DIG Harcharan Bhullar and intermediary Krishanu Sharda in court following the conclusion of Bhullar’s five-day police custody in the bribery case.
During the hearing, the CBI requested an extension of Bhullar’s custody, referring to the retrieval of crucial documents, electronic devices, and money from his home.
The agency contended that Bhullar’s financial documents showed questionable transactions, such as Rs 32 lakh deposited in just two months, significantly surpassing his recognized sources of income.
The CBI lawyer told the court that everyone is under the law, no matter who they are or where they’re from. They also said the CBI was within its rights to act after checking out the bribery complaint.
The prosecution says they have proof from questioning that ties Bhullar to property deals through Bhupinder Singh, a broker in Patiala.
On the other hand, Bhullar’s lawyer, HS Dhanoa, said the arrest wasn’t legal, because the CBI needed permission from the Punjab government to operate there.
He also said there were problems with the CBI’s paperwork, questioning when the complaint was filed and who signed it. The defense brought up past rulings from the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court to back up their argument.
Sources indicate that during questioning, Bhullar and Sharda identified 10 IPS and 4 IAS officers purportedly engaged in laundering black money into real estate investments via Bhupinder Singh from Patiala.
The agency subsequently carried out searches at Singh’s locations in Patiala and Ludhiana, confiscating Rs 20 lakh in cash, documents, and electronic materials. Notices could soon be distributed to the officers referenced during the interrogation, eight of whom are presently in field assignments.
The CBI is examining Bhupinder Singh’s bank statements and phone logs to track interactions with high-ranking officials believed to be part of the money-laundering operation.
Following the presentation of arguments from each party, the court has placed middleman Krishanu Sharda in judicial custody for 14 days, whereas former DIG Harcharan Bhullar has been ordered to CBI custody for an additional five days for further questioning. He has additionally been placed in judicial custody for a different case
