Punjab Chief Minister Enforces Anti-Corruption Ethos Amid High-Profile Arrest

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar following his arrest by the CBI in a bribery case, highlighting the state's zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Despite criticism from Governor Kataria, Mann emphasized that his government remains committed to transparency and will continue its relentless anti-corruption drive.

In a decisive move reflecting Punjab's zero-tolerance approach to corruption, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced the suspension of Deputy Inspector General of Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar following his arrest in a bribery case. Bhullar, apprehended last week, is accused of soliciting an Rs 8 lakh bribe.

Mann reiterated the state government's firm stance against corrupt practices, underscoring that no individual, regardless of rank or influence, will be excused if implicated in such crimes. The ongoing anti-corruption drive, Mann asserted, epitomizes the administration's dedication to transparent governance.

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria criticized the situation, labeling it "unfortunate" that corruption went undetected despite the government's extensive administrative setup. Bhullar's arrest, based on a scrap dealer's complaint, led to significant seizures, including large sums of cash and gold, from his residence.

(With inputs from agencies.)