Mann Government Shows Zero Tolerance, Suspends DIG Held For Bribery

Days after the arrest of Ropar Range DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a bribery case, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reaffirmed his government's zero-tolerance stance against corruption, asserting that "no one, regardless of rank or position, will be spared."

In a strong message following Bhullar's arrest, Mann announced that the IPS officer had been suspended with effect from October 16 - the day he was taken into custody by the CBI - and said the move reflected his government's "unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity."

"There will be no pick and choose in the fight against corruption," Mann declared in a statement, emphasizing that corruption-free governance lay at the heart of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's ethos. He said corrupt practices were a "crime against society" and that his administration had consistently demonstrated its resolve by acting against anyone found guilty, irrespective of their influence.

Opposition parties had earlier attacked the chief minister for maintaining silence over the arrest, with Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleging that the delay amounted to "an admission of guilt." Mann, however, dismissed such criticism, saying his government's prompt action spoke for itself.

The chief minister said corruption undermined public trust and development, and reiterated that his government had been pursuing a sustained campaign against it since taking office in 2022. "We have made accountability and clean governance our priority," he said, adding that the state's anti-corruption efforts would continue with full force.

Bhullar's suspension came a day after he was remanded to 14-day judicial custody in connection with an ₹8-lakh bribery case. The action followed the rule under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) framework, which mandates suspension for any officer detained for over 48 hours.

The senior officer was arrested on October 16 from his Mohali office along with an aide, after a Fatehgarh Sahib-based scrap dealer complained that Bhullar had demanded a recurring monthly bribe to "settle" an old FIR against him.

With Bhullar's suspension, the Mann government has sought to project a firm stance that no official-however senior-will be shielded if found guilty of corruption.