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Chandigarh: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh on Friday dismissed the bail application of suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who was arrested in an alleged corruption case. Bhullar and his alleged aide Kirishanu Sharda were arrested by the CBI on October 16, 2025, following allegations that they had demanded a bribe from a businessman to settle a police case and prevent further coercive action.

According to the prosecution, the complainant, Akash Batta, a resident of Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib, submitted a written complaint on October 11 alleging that Bhullar had sought illegal gratification through a middleman. The bribe was allegedly demanded to “manage” an FIR registered in 2023 at Sirhind Police Station and to ensure that no further adverse action was taken against Batta’s scrap business.

After verifying the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and arrested both accused, along with the alleged bribe money. During the hearing, Bhullar’s counsel S. P. S. Bhullar argued that the investigation had already been completed and the challan filed, contending that there was no likelihood of the accused influencing witnesses if released on bail.

However, the public prosecutor Narender Singh opposed the plea, maintaining that Bhullar’s release could lead to witness intimidation or influence, given his senior position in the police force. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court rejected the bail application.

Earlier, the CBI court had also dismissed Bhullar’s default bail plea in a related disproportionate assets case. He had subsequently approached the Supreme Court of India seeking interim bail and a stay on the CBI proceedings, but the apex court declined to grant any relief. Bhullar remains in judicial custody at Burail Jail, Chandigarh, as investigations and trial proceedings in the corruption case continue.