CM Bhagwant Mann suspends DIG Bhullar after bribery arrest, vows zero tolerance for corruption and commitment to transparent, accountable governance.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said Tuesday that corruption-free governance was central to his government’s philosophy, which has been continuously exhibited via its actions over the previous four years. This was his first statement since DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar was arrested in a fraud case.

Mann emphasized that by not sparing anyone found guilty of corrupt activities, the Punjab government had maintained a strong zero-tolerance policy. He noted in an official announcement that the IPS officer who was recently arrested for corruption by a central agency had been suspended in accordance with this policy.

Mann asserted that this move demonstrated the Punjab government’s steadfast dedication to maintaining accountability, honesty, and transparency in the provision of public services.

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He pointed out that since corrupt activities undermined institutions, damaged public confidence, and impeded national advancement, his government had made eliminating this threat a key priority. He reaffirmed that no politician or officer, whatever of their standing or power, will escape punishment if they are discovered to have participated in this serious crime against society.

Mann reaffirmed his government’s commitment to clean and transparent governance in Punjab, saying that since taking office in 2022, it has been actively fighting corruption.

On October 16, DIG Bhullar and another individual were taken into custody for requesting a bribe of ₹8 lakh from a scrap trader.

The CBI found 2.50 kilogram of gold jewelry and ₹7.50 crore in cash during searches at his home. A CBI court placed him under judicial detention on October 17.

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In a blatant jab at the AAP administration’s anti-corruption campaign, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria responded to the CBI’s arrest of the DIG by calling it “unfortunate” that the government could not identify the wrongdoing despite having a huge administrative infrastructure.