Former Punjab Minister Laljit Bhullar Faces FIR in Official's Suicide Case
Police in Amritsar have registered a criminal case against former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with the alleged suicide of a Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official, officials confirmed on Sunday. The case marks a significant development in a scandal that has rocked the state's political landscape.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who served as district manager of the corporation in Amritsar and held additional charge of Patti, allegedly died by suicide after consuming a poisonous substance identified as Celphos. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
In a dramatic video that surfaced on social media, Randhawa is purportedly seen claiming he had consumed the toxic substance and directly accusing Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar of harassment. "Your friend has eaten Celphos because of fear of minister Laljit Bhullar. I will not survive now," Randhawa states in the emotional recording.
FIR Registered and Resignation
An FIR has been officially lodged at Ranjit Avenue Police Station in Amritsar on Saturday night based on a detailed complaint filed by Randhawa's wife, Upinder Kaur. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 for abetment of suicide, Section 351(3) for criminal intimidation, and Section 3(5) for common intention.
Along with Laljit Singh Bhullar, the FIR also names his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and his personal assistant Dilbag Singh as accused parties in the case. This broadening of the investigation suggests a more complex web of involvement than initially apparent.
In response to mounting pressure, Bhullar resigned from the state cabinet on Saturday after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann explicitly asked him to step down amid the serious allegations of abetment to suicide. The resignation represents a significant political development in Punjab's governance structure.
Political Fallout and Investigation
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a firm stance on the matter, directing the chief secretary to conduct a thorough and impartial probe into the circumstances surrounding Randhawa's death. Mann emphasized that no negligence would be tolerated in the investigation and announced that Bhullar's transport and prison portfolios would be reassigned to another minister to ensure complete transparency.
Opposition leaders have seized upon the incident to target the AAP government, demanding strict and immediate action against Bhullar. They have leveled serious allegations that Bhullar pressured Randhawa to award a warehouse tender to his father, suggesting potential corruption in government contracting processes.
Further allegations claim that Bhullar recorded a video of Randhawa and forced him to admit to accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe from another party. Additionally, it has been alleged that on March 13, Randhawa was summoned to Bhullar's residence where he was reportedly assaulted and subjected to humiliation, creating a pattern of alleged intimidation.
Bhullar's Response and Ongoing Developments
Laljit Singh Bhullar, who represents Patti in Tarn Taran as an MLA, has categorically dismissed all allegations against him as completely baseless and without merit. His defense comes amid growing public scrutiny and media attention focused on the case.
The investigation continues to unfold as authorities examine the evidence, including the viral video and statements from multiple witnesses. The case has highlighted concerns about workplace pressure and political influence in government institutions, raising broader questions about accountability mechanisms within the state administration.
As the legal process moves forward, all eyes remain on the Punjab police investigation and the judicial proceedings that will determine the validity of the serious charges leveled against the former minister and his associates.
