Family of Deceased Punjab Officer Demands Immediate Arrest of Former Minister
The grieving family of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who allegedly died by suicide in Amritsar, has made a forceful demand for strict legal action and the immediate arrest of former state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. The family asserts that sustained harassment and pressure from the ex-minister pushed the officer to take this extreme step, creating a major political controversy in Punjab.
Family's Unwavering Stand for Justice
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh on Sunday, the deceased officer's brother, Varinder Singh Randhawa, declared the family's firm position. "Although an FIR has been registered, if the chief minister is truly honest, he should ensure the immediate arrest of the minister and other accused so that our family can perform the last rites with some peace," he stated emphatically.
Randhawa made it clear that the family would not compromise under any circumstances. "We are not going to bow down, and there will be no compromise whatsoever. This is the unanimous stand of our entire family after thorough discussions among all members," he added, emphasizing that merely registering a case was insufficient without concrete action against the accused.
Opposition Unites in Protest and Police Response
Randhawa arrived in Chandigarh accompanied by leaders from multiple opposition parties including Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP, and CPI to stage a protest demanding the arrest of the sacked minister. The demonstration quickly escalated as opposition functionaries attempted to march toward Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence.
Chandigarh Police intervened forcefully, stopping the protesters en route, deploying water cannons to disperse the crowd, and detaining several opposition leaders. Those detained were later released, but the incident highlighted the growing political tension surrounding the case.
Serious Allegations of Confinement and Extortion
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa leveled serious accusations, stating that evidence indicated Randhawa had been subjected to confinement and extortion. "The facts clearly establish cognizable offences, and the law must take its due course without any delay or dilution," Bajwa asserted, calling for swift legal proceedings.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar directly targeted the state government's handling of the case. "After strong public opposition, the government was forced last night to register a case against the minister, but no arrest has been made yet," he revealed, demanding that "the case be investigated by the CBI" for impartiality.
Accusations of Government Protection and Delayed FIR
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia accused the government of shielding the accused minister, stating bluntly: "An AAP minister's hooliganism, corruption and gangster threats pushed a capable officer to death." He further criticized the delayed FIR registration, claiming: "The FIR which was supposed to be registered on the morning of March 21 was instead registered at 1 am on March 22, showing the government's lack of seriousness in addressing this tragedy."
Jakhar went further in his criticism, stating that the chief minister "has no moral right to remain in office" given the circumstances surrounding the case and the government's response to the family's demands.
The incident has sparked widespread concern about workplace harassment and political accountability in Punjab, with the family's demand for justice resonating across the state's political landscape. As investigations continue, pressure mounts on authorities to address the allegations transparently and ensure that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences.
