CBI continues probe in high-profile corruption case; tug-of-war between state agencies intensifies
MOHALI: In a significant development, a Mohali court on Monday rejected the Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s (VB) application seeking custody of Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who is already in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a major corruption case.
The Vigilance Bureau had moved the court, arguing that Bhullar was also wanted in a separate case registered by it, and hence his custody should be handed over to the state agency. However, the CBI opposed the plea, maintaining that Bhullar was already under judicial remand in a CBI-led investigation and that the Bureau’s move was an attempt to interfere with the central probe.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the Vigilance Bureau’s plea, observing that the CBI had already secured valid remand and that the state agency could not simultaneously claim custody without proper procedure.
Rival Agencies in Conflict
The development has underscored growing tension between the CBI and the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, both of which have been pursuing overlapping investigations into corruption within the state police and bureaucracy.
Sources said that the Vigilance Bureau’s move was seen as an attempt by the Punjab Government to “regain control” of Bhullar’s custody, amid speculation that the CBI investigation might expose higher-ups in the police and political establishment.
Earlier, the CBI had arrested DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, currently posted in the Punjab Police headquarters, on allegations of accepting bribes and facilitating illegal financial transactions. The central agency had secured a five-day police remand from a Chandigarh court last week to question Bhullar in connection with a broader network of corruption and misuse of official position.
Punjab Govt’s Legal Maneuver Raises Eyebrows
The Punjab Government, through the Vigilance Bureau, had swiftly approached the Mohali court to seek Bhullar’s custody, citing its own ongoing probe against him. However, legal observers and opposition parties have questioned the timing of the move, suggesting it was aimed at shielding senior police officers from the central probe.
Opposition leaders alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s attempt to get Bhullar’s custody was politically motivated. “It appears the government is more interested in controlling the investigation rather than letting the truth come out, ” said a senior opposition MLA.
Background of the Case
Bhullar’s arrest by the CBI last week sent shockwaves through the Punjab Police. Reports suggest that the DIG was allegedly involved in accepting large sums of money from contractors and businessmen in exchange for favours. The CBI reportedly recovered incriminating documents and digital evidence during raids at his residence and office.
Meanwhile, the Vigilance Bureau has claimed that it had already registered a corruption case against Bhullar and had been pursuing his arrest independently. Sources within the Bureau said they might consider moving a higher court against the Mohali court’s order.
Next Hearing and CBI’s Course
The CBI is expected to produce Bhullar before a court in Chandigarh at the end of his current remand period later this week. It remains to be seen whether the agency will seek an extension of custody or move toward filing a chargesheet.
With both the CBI and the Punjab Vigilance Bureau staking claim over the same accused, the case has now taken on political overtones, highlighting friction between the state and central investigative arms over control of high-profile corruption probes.