CHANDIGARH: A week after the arrest of DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar by CBI in a corruption case, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today released a press statement, reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He said government had suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar who was suspended on October 16 as per service rules after spending 48 hours in the CBI custody.
Though Punjab CM and Vigilance Department under him had failed to look at misdeeds of DIG Bhullar, he said that corruption-free governance lies at the core of the state government’s ethos, which has been consistently demonstrated through its actions over the past four years. Bhagwant Mann also holds home department and he is accused of protecting corrupt police officers during his three and half years of rule.
Instead of seeking apology from the people of Punjab, the CM emphasized that the Punjab government has upheld a strict zero-tolerance approach by sparing no one found guilty of corrupt practices. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that, in line with this policy, the IPS officer recently arrested by a central agency for corruption has been suspended. He didn't mention that CBI had arrested Bhullar with huge ill-gotten wealth. Neither his office had sought any explanation from Vigilance department and Intelligence department that how they failed to report corruption of Bhullar.
Despite facing public criticism for preotecting Bhullar, the Chief Minister has described suspension of Bhullar Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service delivery. The fact of matter was that CM and entire AAP leadership was tightlipped on arrest of Bhullar who is blue eyed boy of Bhagwant Mann.
He continued the statement that that corrupt practices erode public trust, weaken institutions, and hinder national progress so, his government has accorded top priority to eradicating this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Deputy Inspector General of Police would be deemed suspended with effect from October 16, 2025, reiterating that no officer or politician regardless of their position or influence, will be spared if found involved in this grave crime against society.
The Chief Minister further stated that suspension of DIG once again sends a clear message that there will be no pick and choose in the fight against corruption. He categorically said that any involvement in corrupt activities, he said, will not be tolerated, and no leniency will be shown to those indulging in such acts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that since assuming office in 2022, his government has launched a sustained crusade against corruption, reaffirming its dedication to clean and transparent governance in Punjab.