ED Gets 7-Day Custody of Krishanu Sharda in Money-Laundering Probe Linked to Suspended DIG Bhullar
Kamal Singh|Newsdesk7
••5 views•4 min read
Chandigarh | September 19, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured seven days of custodial remand of Krishanu Sharda, described by investigators as an alleged middleman and aide of suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, in a money-laundering investigation linked to an earlier bribery case.
Chandigarh | September 19, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured seven days of custodial remand of Krishanu Sharda, described by investigators as an alleged middleman and aide of suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, in a money-laundering investigation linked to an earlier bribery case.
The Special PMLA Court in Chandigarh granted the remand after the ED sought 14 days, saying custodial interrogation was required to examine financial records, digital evidence and the alleged movement of proceeds of crime.
Court Grants Seven-Day ED Remand
The ED arrested Sharda on Friday and sought his custodial interrogation. The court, while partly allowing the agency's application, granted seven days of remand and directed that he be produced again on September 25.
The agency told the court that it needed to investigate the source and nature of unexplained cash and deposits allegedly associated with Sharda and identify other people who may have been involved in the alleged movement or concealment of funds.
What Is the Alleged Bribery Connection?
Sharda was arrested by the CBI along with Bhullar in October 2025 in connection with allegations involving an alleged ₹5 lakh bribe.
According to the CBI case cited by the ED, the allegation was that the gratification was sought through Sharda in connection with favourable treatment in a case involving a complainant's business. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
ED Points to WhatsApp Communications
During the remand proceedings, the ED reportedly told the court that forensic examination of mobile phones belonging to Sharda and Bhullar showed repeated WhatsApp communications between them during the relevant period.
The agency said it wants to confront Sharda with digital evidence, financial records and statements gathered during the investigation.
Cash and Financial Assets Under Investigation
The ED told the court that searches at Sharda's premises resulted in the seizure of approximately ₹8 lakh in cash.
According to The Tribune, investigators also identified a cumulative balance of ₹1,41,56,937 across bank and post-office accounts and investments, including approximately ₹8.81 lakh in bank accounts. A previous CBI search of his residence had reportedly resulted in the recovery of around ₹21 lakh in cash.
The ED is examining the source and nature of these funds as part of its PMLA investigation.
Defence Challenges ED's Case
Sharda's lawyer opposed the request for extended custody.
According to the court reports, the defence argued that Sharda had been a national-level hockey player for many years and that his family's sporting background and legitimate sources of income should be considered before drawing conclusions about his assets. His counsel argued that the assets could not simply be presumed to have been accumulated through unlawful means.
ED's Earlier Searches in Punjab
The current proceedings follow ED searches conducted in April 2026 at 11 locations across Punjab and Chandigarh as part of the money-laundering investigation.
The agency said those searches involved premises linked to Bhullar, associates, property dealers and suspected benamidars. It reported seizure/freezing of approximately ₹1.4 crore and recovery of documents relating to properties and financial transactions under investigation.
Investigation Continues
The ED has said its investigation is aimed at tracing the alleged money trail, identifying other intermediaries or persons involved and determining how the suspected proceeds were generated, transferred or invested.
The allegations against the accused remain matters for investigation and judicial determination.
Key Highlights Accused: Krishanu Sharda Case: Money-laundering probe linked to an alleged bribery case ED custody: 7 days Court: Special PMLA Court, Chandigarh ED sought: 14 days Next production: September 25, 2026 Cash cited in current proceedings: Around ₹8 lakh Earlier CBI recovery from Sharda's residence: Around ₹21 lakh Financial balances/investments cited by ED: ₹1.41 crore approximately Earlier ED searches: 11 locations across Punjab and Chandigarh
