The fight against corruption in Punjab’s police force entered a new stage as CBI arrests shine light on corruption issues and exposed serious flaws in the system. The arrest of DIG Bhullar showed how deep corruption runs in the police hierarchy and highlighted the urgent need to hold every officer, from the top ranks to the lowest, accountable for their actions.

Corruption in the Punjab Police has existed for years. In April 2025, authorities suspended ADGP SPS Parmar, then the chief director of vigilance, along with officers Swarandeep Singh and Harpreet Mander. Although investigators did not file major charges against them, their removal signaled rising concerns. In May 2025, the suspension of Fazilka SSP Varinder Singh Brar drew attention after four junior officers accepted ₹1 lakh from a minor boy to ignore disturbing videos on his phone. AAP leader Manish Sisodia declared that no officer, regardless of rank, would escape punishment for corruption.

Brar’s reinstatement in August 2025 shocked many and raised doubts about the government’s commitment to fighting corruption. Disciplinary action mostly targeted lower-ranking officers, often involved in smaller cases. Meanwhile, the CBI discovered ₹5 crore at DIG Bhullar’s home, a far larger amount than any other corruption case in recent memory.

On September 30, 2025, DGP Yadav ordered police commissioners and superintendents to strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy. He promised to punish every corrupt officer. Despite this, data showed that most investigations still targeted junior personnel, while senior officers avoided serious consequences.

Punjab Police announced that it dismissed 52 officers under the AAP government’s anti-corruption campaign. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann repeatedly emphasized transparency and accountability. However, a deeper look showed that many removals involved absenteeism or minor misconduct rather than major corruption.

Several examples illustrate the issue. Officers like ASI Shashpal Singh and ASI Balwinder Singh lost their jobs for repeated absence. In 2023, authorities arrested ASI Jagroop Singh for taking a ₹5,000 bribe, while Harpal Singh faced court for a ₹20,000 bribe in 2022. Inspector Kuldeep Singh faced extortion charges for allegedly taking ₹28 lakh. Police also dismissed several constables for possessing drugs or accepting small bribes. These incidents, while serious, pale in comparison to the large sums linked to senior officers.

The depth of the problem became clearer when Justice Anoop Chitkara of the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied bail to AIG Rajjit Singh Hundal. Authorities removed Hundal from service in 2023 for corruption and drug trafficking links. Justice Chitkara quoted Francis Beaumont: “Corruption is a tree whose branches are of an unmeasurable length; they spread everywhere.” His words reflected how corruption destroys trust and authority across the system.

Experts argue that the state needs stronger measures than dismissals and arrests. They recommend transparent investigations, independent oversight bodies, and digital monitoring of police activities to reduce corruption. They also stress the importance of whistleblower protection and regular training programs to encourage honest officers to report wrongdoing.

Public trust in the police remains fragile. People expect officers to protect them, not exploit their power. Civil society groups have urged the government to create an independent police complaints authority and strengthen vigilance systems to address corruption among senior officials.

In conclusion, CBI arrests shine a light on corruption issues and reveal the scale of corruption in the Punjab Police. While action against junior officers continues, true reform requires accountability at the highest levels. Only consistent enforcement, strong oversight, and a culture of transparency can rebuild public trust and create a police force that serves justice.

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Today, in Amritsar, DIG reviews crime scene and rewards police officers during an important crime review meeting. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nanak Singh led the session, which brought together senior officers and Station House Officers (SHOs) from the Amritsar rural police. The purpose was to discuss key issues, evaluate ongoing cases, and plan stronger strategies for community safety.

The meeting focused on several crucial points. Officers reviewed pending cases that still need resolution, discussed ongoing investigations, and examined the overall performance of the police force. They also talked about enhanced security measures due to the growing threat of weapons and explosives in the border areas. With recent seizures of dangerous materials, authorities emphasized the need for vigilance and preventive action.

Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh and SP (Detective) Aditya Warrier joined the meeting, along with other senior officers and field staff. Together, they shared strategies for managing rising threats and discussed ways to strengthen law enforcement efforts.

A key highlight of the session was the recognition of police personnel for their dedication and service. DIG Nanak Singh awarded 134 officers for their outstanding contributions. The total cash reward amounted to ₹8.90 lakh. Each officer received a DGP Commendation Disc and a certificate of appreciation, celebrating their role in protecting the community.

Another major topic was the ongoing “War Against Drugs” campaign. This statewide initiative focuses on breaking drug supply networks, arresting traffickers, and raising awareness about drug abuse. Since its launch, the Amritsar rural police have registered 879 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 1,491 people involved in drug peddling and other crimes. These numbers reflect the force’s strong commitment to combating drug-related activities.

The fight against drugs goes beyond arrests. It includes rehabilitation efforts, awareness drives, and cooperation with local communities. Drug abuse not only damages lives but also weakens families and neighborhoods. Therefore, effective prevention and support systems are vital.

At the same time, authorities are paying close attention to weapon trafficking and cross-border smuggling. Punjab’s border areas often face attempts to bring illegal items into the country, posing a serious security risk. Stronger surveillance, intelligence sharing, and border patrols are part of the police’s current strategy to address these threats.

Community involvement remains essential to law enforcement success. Police encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities without fear. Increased cooperation can improve safety and create a strong partnership between residents and law enforcement.

The meeting highlighted the police force’s commitment to public safety and recognized their tireless efforts to combat crime. It also underlined the importance of teamwork, intelligence, and public participation in keeping communities secure.

In conclusion, DIG reviews crime scene and rewards police officers captured the growing determination to tackle crime, drug abuse, and security threats in the region. With consistent efforts, strong policies, and community support, the goal of a safer Punjab is within reach.

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The major development where Punjab PUDA to purchase unused land shows a big change in the state’s land use strategy. The Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) agreed to buy 14 acres of land in Mohali from the State Agricultural Marketing Board, also called the Mandi Board, for ₹700 crore. A mandi was built there in 2011, but never became operational, leaving the land unused for years.

PUDA now plans to turn this idle property into a source of revenue. Officials aim to sell it to private developers for commercial or residential projects. They expect the land’s value to rise far above the purchase price, which could generate ₹500 to ₹700 crore in profit. The state will use this money to build new infrastructure and improve urban services.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha has given preliminary approval for the deal. PUDA will now prepare a plan to market and sell the land. The government shifted to this approach after people opposed its earlier land pooling scheme. Instead of acquiring private land, it now focuses on selling state-owned properties to raise funds.

The Mandi Board, which runs 1,822 mandis across Punjab, has long provided major financial support to state programs. Its earnings dropped sharply when the central government stopped sending rural development funds, leaving ₹9,500 crore unused. Previous governments also used this money for programs such as Parkash Singh Badal’s sangat darshan initiative and Captain Amarinder Singh’s ₹9,400 crore farm debt waiver scheme.

Critics, especially from the opposition, have attacked the decision to sell the land. They believe it could hurt farmers and small business owners who invested in mandi shops. Many fear losing their livelihoods if private developers take over the site.

In response, the Mandi Board announced plans to build two modern mega-mandis with the sale money. One will be on the outskirts of Mohali, and the 31 affected shop owners will get priority allotment there. The second will be in Amritsar, equipped with cold storage, trading platforms, and facilities for handling fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Punjab Mandi Board chairman Harchand Singh Barsat and Chief Secretary Sinha have not shared their views publicly. However, experts say this deal shows a policy shift from leaving state land unused to converting it into economic growth opportunities. The government wants to strengthen its finances, improve infrastructure, and support both farmers and traders.

In the end, the decision where Punjab PUDA to purchase unused land could transform a forgotten property into a valuable asset. If the plan works well, it will boost revenue, create jobs, and improve Punjab’s overall development.

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