India, Oct. 18 -- Deputy inspector general (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday for allegedly demanding Rs.8-lakh bribe from a scrap dealer, enjoyed a smooth entry and then rise in the Punjab Police, backed by his DGP father's legacy, privilege and political connections.

Bhullar, currently posted in the Ropar range, was recruited as a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) in 1993 during the tenure of chief minister Beant Singh, as a special case while invoking "special provisions". DSPs, traditionally, are hired through direct recruitment via the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) exam or by promotion from within the force.

His father, Mehal Singh Bhullar, then inspector g...