The Punjab government’s transfer of Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, just days after he announced a breakthrough in a Pakistan-backed terror conspiracy, has triggered sharp political reactions and raised questions over the timing of the administrative move.
Bhullar had recently addressed the media to announce the arrest of nine accused, including four minors, in connection with a terror module. The police claimed the group was operating under the directions of Pakistan-based ISI handlers. During the operation, officers recovered three pistols, nine live cartridges and four petrol bomb bottles. Investigators also alleged that the accused had been carrying out reconnaissance of sensitive security installations.
The case gained national attention after Bhullar, during a press briefing on August 4, stated that the investigation had revealed some of the arrested individuals had visited Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, conducted surveillance in the area and allegedly planned to attack protesters using petrol bombs. The remarks came amid heightened scrutiny over an alleged terror plot linked to demonstrations held at the national capital.
However, the Punjab government soon issued a clarification, asserting that Bhullar had not claimed the accused were participants in the Jantar Mantar protests or that the protesters themselves had any connection with the alleged terror module. The government maintained that selective editing of the police commissioner’s remarks had created a misleading impression linking the protesters to the accused.
Within days of the controversy, the Punjab government transferred Bhullar from his post as Amritsar Police Commissioner. While no official reason has been cited connecting the transfer to his remarks on the investigation, the sequence of events has fuelled speculation over whether the controversy influenced the decision.
The transfer has also taken on political overtones. Opposition leaders have long accused Bhullar of maintaining close ties with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), often describing him as an “extended arm” of the state government.
Former Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu questioned the timing of the transfer, suggesting it warranted closer scrutiny. “The timing of Gurpreet Bhullar’s transfer is bound to raise eyebrows. Did his accurate revelations about the alleged Jantar Mantar plot trouble Kejriwal?” Bittu said.
With the Punjab government remaining silent on the reasons behind the reshuffle, Bhullar’s transfer continues to generate debate, particularly as it follows a high-profile anti-terror operation and a politically sensitive controversy surrounding his public statements.
