Ludhiana October 24, 2025 : After the CBI arrested DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a bribery case, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has sprung into action. According to sources, Vigilance has now placed several passers (middlemen), transporters, and GST officials from Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana under its radar due to suspected links with Bhullar.
Government moves into “damage control” mode
Government circles are abuzz with talk that the Punjab government is in “damage control” mode following this high-profile case. In connection with this, the government has suspended two senior GST officers — Assistant Commissioner (ACST) Maninderpal Singh and State Tax Officer (ATO) Preet Mohan Singh Cheema — both associated with SIPU Chandigarh-2 (Shambhu).
According to the suspension order, their headquarters will remain at DCST Faridkot Division until the investigation is completed, and they are prohibited from leaving their assigned headquarters without permission.
Allegations of tax manipulation worth crores
Sources allege that these officers issued a ₹4 crore tax notice to a scrap trader but collected only ₹2 lakh, while the remaining amount was allegedly “settled” informally. Meanwhile, the sudden transfer of an officer from a key seat in the Punjab Directorate of Enforcement has stirred both administrative and business circles. It is believed that this move may be indirectly linked to the Bhullar case.
Illegal trade continues despite Vigilance activity
Despite the Vigilance Bureau’s heightened activity, illegal trading in Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana continues unabated. Sources claim that goods worth crores are transported daily without bills. Notably, the illegal trade in urea passing has risen sharply in recent days. This urea, used in lithium battery manufacturing, is reportedly being smuggled on a large scale.
Bureaucracy on the back foot; middlemen taking advantage
Following Bhullar’s arrest, a perception has grown among business circles that the state bureaucracy has gone on the back foot. As a result, several passers—middlemen connected with tax and transport networks—are exploiting the situation by moving scrap and other goods without bills. A local businessman, on condition of anonymity, said, “After the Bhullar case, the system has become fearful. Many people are now openly doing illegal business because they know that even senior officials are under investigation.”
Mounting pressure on the government
The case has become a matter of credibility for the Punjab government. While central agencies are tightening their grip on corruption in the state, Vigilance must now prove that its functioning is transparent and effective. Sources indicate that more businessmen and GST officials are likely to be questioned in the coming days.
Vigilance keeping an eye on GST transfers and “setting culture” in Ludhiana
According to inside information, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau is also scrutinizing recent transfers and postings within the state’s GST department. Sources say the long-standing “setting culture”—an informal system of favoritism and collusion—has raised serious questions about departmental integrity and caught Vigilance’s attention.
It is claimed that several officers in Ludhiana have been posted in the same district for many years, including both senior and inspector-level officials. These officers allegedly manage to secure desired postings through influence or internal “arrangements.” As per regulations, serving in the same district for an extended period is considered irregular and suspicious.
Summary:
Vigilance authorities have intensified their investigation into the DIG Bhullar bribery case, bringing several officers from different cities under scrutiny for alleged involvement in corruption.