A small corruption case unravels into a massive exposure of wealth, luxury, and alleged misuse of power in Punjab Police ranks.
Chandigarh | Friday, October 17, 2025
What began as a modest Rs 8 lakh bribe trap has spiraled into one of Punjab’s most sensational corruption scandals. A senior Punjab IPS officer is now at the center of a sweeping CBI investigation after raids revealed assets and luxury possessions far beyond his known income — including Rs 5 crore in cash, 22 high-end luxury watches, and two premium cars, an Audi and a Mercedes-Benz.
According to CBI officials, the operation began as a routine vigilance action. The officer was allegedly caught accepting a bribe to “settle” a case. But when investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a web of unexplained wealth, lavish spending, and questionable property holdings.
The Trap That Started It All
Sources within the Central Bureau of Investigation say the probe began when a local businessman filed a complaint alleging that the IPS officer demanded Rs 8 lakh to influence an ongoing inquiry. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap operation under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The officer was reportedly caught red-handed receiving the cash through an intermediary. The sting operation immediately triggered raids across multiple properties linked to him — including his official residence in Mohali, ancestral home in Ludhiana, and several farmhouses spread across Chandigarh and Patiala districts.
The Shocking Recovery: Cash, Cars, and Watches
What the CBI found next stunned investigators.
From safes and cupboards, officers recovered Rs 5 crore in hard cash, mostly in bundles of Rs 500 notes. Several foreign-currency bundles were also seized. In addition, officials documented 22 luxury watches from brands like Rolex, Hublot, Tag Heuer, Omega, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
Parked in his garage were an Audi Q7 SUV and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both registered under names linked to family members and associates. Documents revealed ownership of at least three high-value plots and two commercial spaces in Punjab, along with a luxury flat in Gurugram.
A senior CBI officer said, “The value of assets discovered so far is disproportionate to the officer’s declared income by several folds. This appears to be part of a larger network involving misuse of official influence.”
Lavish Lifestyle and Questionable Deals
Investigators also found imported liquor, designer suits, and luxury handbags during the raids. Social media posts allegedly linked to the officer’s family show them attending international vacations in Europe and Dubai, staying in five-star resorts and luxury cruise lines.
CBI sources are now tracking money trails through shell companies and property brokers believed to have facilitated these purchases. Some properties were reportedly bought under names of extended family members and acquaintances to mask ownership.
Officials suspect the officer maintained connections with real estate developers and local contractors, potentially using his position to extract “favours” in exchange for administrative leniency or police protection.
Wider Network Under the Scanner
The investigation has widened beyond the officer himself. The CBI is examining whether other members of the Punjab Police hierarchy were aware of or benefited from similar kickback arrangements. Several departmental colleagues and middlemen are being questioned.
Sources indicate that the central agency has requested details of bank accounts, property records, and income tax filings for the past ten years. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been informed to probe possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Official Reactions and Political Fallout
The case has ignited a political storm in Punjab. Opposition leaders have demanded a full-scale inquiry into corruption within the police service, claiming the case exposes systemic rot and political shielding of senior officers.
Punjab’s Home Department said in a statement that the officer has been suspended pending investigation and departmental proceedings will follow based on CBI findings. A senior state official added, “No one is above the law. The government has zero tolerance for corruption.”
However, political insiders point out that the officer enjoyed close proximity to influential politicians and business circles, which may complicate the probe. Critics argue that such connections often delay disciplinary action until media pressure builds.
CBI’s Focus on Asset Disproportion
The CBI has now registered a separate case under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for disproportionate assets. Officials estimate the officer’s total wealth could exceed Rs 25 crore, several times his known income.
A forensic audit team is analyzing transaction histories, property deeds, and electronic data recovered from mobile phones and laptops seized during the raids. The agency believes part of the money may have been laundered through high-value jewelry purchases and international travel bookings.
Investigators are also coordinating with banks to trace suspicious cash deposits that may have been layered through accounts of relatives and shell entities.
Pattern of Corruption in Police Ranks
This scandal comes at a time when Punjab Police has already faced criticism over rising corruption and politicisation within senior ranks. Recent vigilance reports have flagged irregularities in postings, transfers, and use of departmental funds.
Analysts say this case highlights how small-scale bribery often masks larger financial misconduct. The initial Rs 8 lakh trap, they point out, may have been only a glimpse into a deeper culture of graft.
Former DGP-level officers have urged the Home Ministry to strengthen internal vigilance mechanisms, including mandatory lifestyle audits and digital monitoring of financial disclosures by senior officials.
Public Backlash and Demand for Transparency
The revelations have triggered outrage among citizens and activists. Social media has been flooded with posts questioning how such wealth could go unnoticed for years. Anti-corruption groups are calling for the seized assets to be auctioned publicly, with proceeds used for police reforms.
Transparency advocates say this case underscores the need for real-time digital monitoring of assets declared by civil servants. Experts recommend linking property registration, income tax filings, and police service records to detect red flags automatically.
What Lies Ahead
The CBI is expected to file a chargesheet within 90 days, but officials admit the investigation could expand as more financial links surface. The agency may also recommend departmental action against officers who allegedly helped conceal the wealth or obstructed earlier inquiries.
Legal experts suggest that the case could become a benchmark for anti-corruption enforcement in the country. If proven, it would strengthen the CBI’s argument for more independent powers to act against senior officials without political clearance.
As the probe continues, the scandal has already dented public confidence in Punjab’s policing system. What began as an Rs 8 lakh bribe trap now stands as a symbol of unchecked corruption, extravagant living, and the urgent need for systemic reform.
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