All eyes are on the Mohali court today as it hears the Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s plea seeking custody of Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar. His arrest by the CBI in a major corruption case has sparked a political and administrative storm in Punjab. The Vigilance Bureau’s sudden move to claim his custody, despite the CBI already securing a five-day remand, has raised questions about the state government’s motives — whether it seeks to protect Bhullar or regain control of the politically sensitive probe.
Observers suspect the Bureau’s intervention aims to restrict the CBI’s investigation and prevent exposure of potential links between Bhullar’s alleged corruption and senior officials or politicians. The CBI’s recovery from Bhullar’s properties — ₹7.5 crore in cash, 2.5 kg of gold, liquor, narcotics, and arms — has deeply embarrassed the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, especially since Bhullar had close ties with the ruling establishment.
Opposition parties, including the Akali Dal and Congress, accuse the Mann government of shielding Bhullar and question its anti-corruption stance. The Mohali court’s ruling today will decide whether the CBI or Vigilance Bureau retains custody, a verdict likely to shape both the political narrative and institutional authority in Punjab.
