Bhullar suspension can’t negate chances of proof tampering: HC

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court has held that the suspension of Punjab DIG HS Bhullar in a graft case does not neutralise the possibility of him influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence. The observations were made as the court declined bail to Bhullar on Feb 16.In its detailed orders, Justice Sumeet Goel of the HC said, "It cannot be said that there does not exist a reasonable apprehension/concern that his release may affect the course of investigation or trial, including the possibility of influencing the witnesses…" "A person who held a senior position in the police hierarchy for decades is likely to retain professional relationships and institutional familiarity which may have a bearing on witnesses and the course of investigation," the HC held.
Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer, has been behind bars since Oct 2025, when he was arrested by CBI following bribery allegations from his office in Chandigarh. He was then posted as DIG of Ropar Range. Justice Sumeet Goel held that the grant of bail in a separate disproportionate assets cases does not automatically entitle Bhullar to bail in the corruption case, "which must be evaluated independently". The bench was also of the view that in corruption cases involving public servants holding high office, the court is required to exercise caution, particularly when material witnesses are yet to be examined and the possibility of influence is asserted on reasonable and prima facie tenable grounds. The HC, however, granted him liberty to apply for regular bail afresh, in the first instance before the special court. In his bail plea, Bhullar submitted that he was taken into custody at his Mohali office at 11.30 am on Oct 16, 2025, but his arrest was not formally recorded until 8 pm that day. The plea contended that he was not produced before a magistrate until after 2 pm the following day, exceeding the 24-hour limit required by law. The bail plea also contended that no money was directly recovered from Bhullar. According to the petition, Bhullar, a decorated officer with over 30 years of service, was on the verge of retirement and claimed to be targeted for "ulterior motives". He said the CBI filed its final investigation report on Dec 3, 2025, rendering further custodial interrogation unnecessary. Bhullar approached the high court after a special CBI court in Chandigarh dismissed his plea for bail. MSID:: 128509357 413 |