Trouble appears to be mounting for suspended Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and intermediary Krishnu Sharda in connection with an eight-lakh-rupee bribery case. During a hearing in the CBI court on Friday, it was revealed that the parents of an independent witness had received threats.
Notably, another witness present in the courtroom became visibly distressed upon learning of these threats. Observing his state of mind, Special CBI Judge Bhavna Jain provided him with counseling to help him feel at ease. Only after this was he able to begin his testimony. CBI public prosecutor Narendra Singh informed the court that the parents of another independent witness, residing in Jammu, had received threats.
It is alleged that these threats were made to pressure the witness into providing testimony in favor of the accused. The witness in question has informed the CBI about this via email. The witness present in court acknowledged being aware of the threats made against the other witness’s family. He appeared visibly uncomfortable and unsettled by the development. The court provided counseling and some time to help him regain his composure, encouraging him to testify without any fear.
Cross-examination set for November 25
The examination-in-chief of the witness present in court on Friday was completed; however, the cross-examination was deferred at the request of Krishnu Sharda’s counsel. The court has summoned the witness to appear again on November 25. Additionally, a summons has been issued for the other individual—the independent witness—to appear on the next date.
Background of the case
Last year, the CBI arrested Bhullar and Krishnu Sharda following a complaint filed by Akash Batta, a businessman from Mandi Gobindgarh. It is alleged that a bribe of eight lakh rupees was demanded from Batta, with the threat that he would otherwise be implicated in a criminal case.
Following the arrest, the CBI conducted a raid at Bhullar’s residence in Sector 40, where they recovered approximately 7.5 crore rupees in cash, luxury watches, gold, expensive liquor, and property documents.
