Chandigarh, October 17, 2025: Kirshanu Sharda, arrested red-handed by the CBI while allegedly accepting a ₹8 lakh bribe on behalf of Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, was once a hockey player who represented Chandigarh in several senior national tournaments. But those who knew him say his real claim to fame lay elsewhere — in his unofficial connections with politicians, police officers, and Punjabi singers.
The 30-year-old’s social media pages prominently feature a flamboyant Congress leader from Patiala, and sources said he was a frequent visitor to the Punjab Police headquarters in Chandigarh. “Many police officers know him and keep in touch with him,” said a source, adding that he often appeared at police promotional events and private gatherings.
Sharda was reportedly arrested red-handed in Sector 21, Chandigarh, while accepting the bribe from Mandi Gobindgarh scrap dealer Naresh Batta. The money was allegedly meant for DIG Bhullar to “settle” a 2023 FIR registered at Sirhind police station and ensure no further police action against the complainant’s business.
The CBI later arrested both DIG Bhullar and Sharda under the Prevention of Corruption Act and conducted searches at Bhullar’s residence in Sector 40, recovering around ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold, 22 luxury watches, BMW and Audi keys, documents of a Samrala farmhouse, firearms, and a large quantity of ammunition.
Sharda was also recently seen at a musical programme in Chandigarh by a Hoshiarpur-born singer, songwriter, and actor — continuing his pattern of staying close to Punjab’s power and celebrity circles until his arrest this week.
