Punjab Police Files Criminal Case Against Former Minister in Suicide Abetment
In a significant development, Punjab police have officially registered a criminal case against dismissed cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his personal assistant Dilbagh Singh alias Baga. This action follows the tragic suicide of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa in Amritsar.
FIR Details and Legal Provisions
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed late on Saturday under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions. The charges specifically include:
- Abetment of suicide
- Criminal intimidation
- Common intention
Police authorities have confirmed the registration of the case but have not announced any arrests at this stage. The investigation is currently ongoing as authorities gather evidence and statements related to the allegations.
Background of the Case
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa died by suicide on Friday under circumstances that have raised serious questions about workplace pressure and political influence. Before his death, Randhawa allegedly left behind a video recording in which he directly blamed former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar for his extreme decision.
Following this development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took immediate action by asking Bhullar to step down from his cabinet position. The Chief Minister emphasized that no government official should be driven to such an extreme measure and called for accountability in the matter.
Complaint by Victim's Family
The FIR was registered based on a formal complaint filed by Randhawa's wife, Upinder Kaur, who works as a science teacher and is mother to three children. In her complaint, she detailed a pattern of sustained pressure on her husband regarding warehousing tenders.
According to the complaint, when Laljit Singh Bhullar held the transport and jails portfolio in the Punjab cabinet, there was consistent pressure on Randhawa to award warehousing tenders to Bhullar's father, Sukhdev Singh Bhullar. The family alleges this created an unbearable work environment for the district manager.
Alleged Assault Incident
Upinder Kaur's complaint includes a particularly disturbing allegation from March 13. She claims her husband was summoned to Bhullar's residence in Patti, where he was physically assaulted in the presence of multiple individuals, including:
- Sukhdev Singh Bhullar (the former minister's father)
- Dilbagh Singh alias Baga (the personal assistant)
- Other unidentified individuals
This alleged incident reportedly escalated the threats and intimidation against Randhawa, creating what the family describes as an impossible situation.
Family's Ordeal and Current Status
The family's situation became so dire that they felt compelled to send their three children to live with relatives for safety. Upinder Kaur herself took shelter at her parents' home, fearing for her security amid the ongoing threats.
In a powerful statement of protest, Randhawa's relatives have refused to cremate his body until the accused individuals are arrested. This decision underscores the family's demand for immediate justice and accountability in what they describe as a clear case of abetment to suicide.
Political Response and Denial
Former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has categorically denied any wrongdoing in connection with the case. In his response to the allegations, Bhullar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Randhawa's death.
The case has drawn significant attention in Punjab political circles, raising questions about the relationship between political power and bureaucratic pressure in state institutions. As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on how authorities will handle this sensitive case involving a former cabinet minister.
