Massive ED Operation: 1.4 Crore Seized from Ex-DIG Bhullar Network

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) struck hard against alleged money laundering on April 27, conducting raids at 11 premises associated with retired DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and his network of property dealers and benami operators. Spanning Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Patiala, the searches under PMLA uncovered a trail of unexplained wealth and frozen funds totaling 1.4 crore rupees. Triggered by a CBI-ACB FIR on complainant Akash Batra's allegations, the case involves Bhullar allegedly extorting bribes via agent Krishanu. The payoff was sought to manipulate proceedings in a PS Sarhind case and protect Batra's scrap trading operations from enforcement. Bhullar is also under scrutiny for disproportionate assets, a charge that has fueled this intensive probe. Bank records examined by ED showed massive unexplained cash flows into accounts of Bhullar's associates, funneled into real estate without valid sources. Properties in prime locations like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Mohali were registered under proxy names, but CBI's prior recovery of title deeds from Bhullar's home confirms his control. The recent raids yielded more documents linking these deals to laundered proceeds. Among the frozen assets are homes and farmlands across multiple districts, alongside incriminating papers exposing the laundering mechanism. ED vows to pursue the full syndicate, including brokers and insiders, promising deeper exposures ahead. This operation highlights the persistent fight against graft in law enforcement ranks, with implications for public trust and accountability. Watch for updates as the net tightens on the culprits.