Breaking: ED arrests Krishanu Sharda in money laundering probe involving former Punjab DIG
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 23, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Krishanu Sharda, described by the agency as a middleman, in an ongoing money laundering investigation involving former Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and others.
The ED’s Chandigarh Zonal Office-I arrested Sharda under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on September 18. The Special Court (PMLA), Chandigarh, subsequently remanded him to seven days of ED custody.
The money laundering investigation stems from an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Chandigarh, against Bhullar, Sharda and others under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the ED, its preliminary investigation found that Bhullar allegedly used Sharda as a middleman to demand and receive illegal gratification. In one instance, an ₹8 lakh bribe was allegedly demanded, of which ₹5 lakh was allegedly received through Sharda.
The agency alleged that the bribe was demanded in connection with settling a criminal case and allowing the complainant to operate a scrap business without police interference.
The ED further said that Sharda allegedly facilitated the receipt and transfer of funds on behalf of Bhullar.
During searches conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA, the agency said it seized ₹8.35 lakh in cash and froze bank and post office accounts and investments worth approximately ₹1.42 crore.
The ED said analysis of financial records and digital devices seized during the searches revealed unexplained cash deposits, investments and transactions involving Bhullar. The agency also said its preliminary findings indicated the possible involvement of other public servants.
The ED is tracing the alleged money trail and examining the use and concealment of the proceeds of crime, besides probing the possible involvement of other individuals and entities.
Further investigation is underway.