Amritsar Police File FIR Against Former AAP Minister Laljit Bhullar in PWC Official's Suicide
Amritsar police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh, also known as Baga, in connection with the tragic suicide of Punjab Warehousing Corporation (PWC) district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa. The incident, which occurred at Randhawa's residence in Amritsar on Sunday, has ignited a significant political controversy across Punjab, with opposition parties launching sharp criticisms against the ruling AAP government.
Allegations of Harassment and Threats Over Tender Allotments
In a detailed complaint filed with the police, Upinder Kaur, the wife of the deceased, has made grave allegations against the accused. She claims that her husband was subjected to severe physical assault, including being struck with a pistol, by Laljit Bhullar, his father, and his PA. According to her statement, the harassment was relentless and centered on the allotment of warehouse tenders, with the accused repeatedly pressuring Randhawa to favor them in the tender process.
Upinder Kaur further asserted that despite her husband's steadfast refusal to violate official rules and regulations, he faced continuous threats, intimidation, and mental torture. The accused allegedly warned him of dire consequences, including harm to his family and children through the use of gangsters, if he did not comply with their unlawful demands. In a particularly disturbing claim, she mentioned that Randhawa was forced at gunpoint to record a false video statement, compounding his distress.
Political Fallout and Opposition Reactions
The suicide has triggered a political storm in Punjab, drawing immediate reactions from key opposition figures. Prominent leaders such as Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, state BJP president Sunil Jakhar, and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa visited the grieving family at their Ranjit Avenue residence to express solidarity and support. These visits underscore the escalating tensions within the state's political landscape.
In response to the incident, opposition parties have announced plans to stage a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence on Sunday, highlighting their demands for accountability and justice. The case has put the AAP government under intense scrutiny, with critics accusing it of failing to prevent such alleged abuses of power.
Details of the Charges and Investigation
The FIR includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), such as abetment to suicide (Section 108), criminal intimidation (Section 351), and common intention (Section 3(5)). These legal provisions reflect the severity of the allegations, which suggest a coordinated effort to drive Randhawa to take his own life.
According to the complaint, the sustained pressure became unbearable for Randhawa, leading him to consume a poisonous substance early Saturday morning around 5:30 AM. Before his death, he recorded a short video that later surfaced on social media, though its contents have not been fully disclosed by authorities. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the suicide, including the authenticity of the video and the broader context of the tender-related harassment.
This case highlights critical issues of governance, corruption, and mental health in Punjab, raising questions about the safety and integrity of public officials. As the investigation progresses, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the state's political and administrative frameworks.
