The disclosures made during the CBI probe into the bribery case involving Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar have sent shockwaves in the state bureaucracy. Sources privy to the CBI investigation said they have uncovered four IAS and 10 IPS officers in Punjab who were investing their money in property.
It is learnt that the CBI may present the names of these officers in court during DIG Bhullar's appearance on Thursday. Based on this, an arrest warrant for the Patiala property dealer, Bhupinder Singh, whose house the CBI had raided on Tuesday, may be sought. The names of these officers, who have also come under the scanner, may be revealed as soon as the CBI submits its report to the court.
CBI sources said that out of the 10 IPS officers whose names have surfaced, eight are on field duty and two have received sideline postings. The four IAS officers whose names have surfaced are connected in some way to Mandi Gobindgarh.
The CBI investigation revealed that Bhullar as well as several other senior officials in Punjab were misappropriating money through property dealers. It also came to light that these officers were not only buying and selling land in the names of their relatives through Bhupinder, but were also participating in land deals. To avoid exposing themselves, they were using property dealers as a cover. Since Bhupinder was already in contact with several officers, other officers also began investing in land through him.
After questioning DIG Bhullar and middleman Krishanu, the CBI became convinced that the property dealer was laundering the black money of several officers through land deals. Based on their revelations, simultaneous raids were conducted at the property dealer's hideouts in Patiala and Ludhiana. During the raids at 7 locations, the CBI recovered Rs 20.50 lakh in cash, a laptop, 2 mobile phones and a DVR containing CCTV footage.
The CBI also seized documents related to more than 50 properties and financial transactions. It is now looking into Bhupinder's bank accounts. His mobile phone is also being examined to determine which officials he was in touch with. After recording Bhupinder's statement, the officers may be summoned for questioning.
Also read: CBI raid at realtor’s house in Bhullar case
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