Former Punjab Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar Arrested in Abetment to Suicide Case
CHANDIGARH: In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Punjab's political landscape, former state minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Laljit Singh Bhullar was arrested on Monday. The arrest is directly connected to the alleged abetment to suicide of a Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official, as reported by news agency PTI.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The case centers around Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who served as the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar. Randhawa tragically died by suicide early Saturday after consuming poison. The incident took a dramatic turn when a purported video surfaced on social media platforms, in which Randhawa explicitly accused Laljit Singh Bhullar of persistent harassment that allegedly drove him to take this extreme step.
This development immediately triggered a major political storm across Punjab. Following the emergence of the video and mounting public pressure, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed Bhullar to resign from his ministerial position, which he promptly did.
Legal Proceedings and Police Action
Punjab Police had already registered a formal case against Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his personal assistant Dilbag Singh. The charges filed against them are serious and include:
- Section 108: Abetment to suicide
- Section 351(3): Criminal intimidation
- Section 3(5): Common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
The arrest on Monday came after intense pressure from the victim's family, who had issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the state government. The family's resolve was so strong that they refused to allow the post-mortem examination and cremation proceedings to take place until Bhullar was taken into police custody.
Family's Anguish and Ultimatum
Speaking to media representatives in Amritsar, Randhawa's wife, Upinder Kaur, expressed profound anger and frustration over what she perceived as delayed action by authorities. Her emotional statement highlighted the family's desperation:
"It is my ultimatum that if nothing is done within 24 hours, then I, along with my children—two daughters and a son—will come on the roads," she declared, emphasizing their determination to seek justice.
Adding to the evidentiary weight of the case, a purported CCTV footage has circulated on social media, allegedly showing Randhawa consuming the poisonous substance that led to his death.
Political Ramifications and Opposition Pressure
The case has significantly intensified political tensions throughout Punjab. Opposition parties have seized upon this incident to target the ruling AAP government, demanding swift and transparent action. The arrest represents a critical moment for the Bhagwant Mann administration, which now faces scrutiny over its handling of the situation and the broader implications for governance and accountability.
The developments underscore the complex interplay between political accountability, legal processes, and public sentiment in high-profile cases involving public officials.
