Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar Steps Down Amid Suicide Allegations
In a significant political development, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned from the state cabinet on Saturday. The resignation came after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked him to step down amid serious allegations of abetment to the suicide of a Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official.
Warehousing Official's Tragic Suicide Sparks Crisis
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, allegedly died by suicide on Friday after consuming poison. Before his death, Randhawa released a 12-second video statement claiming he had taken poison out of fear of Minister Laljit Bhullar and expressed certainty that he would not survive.
The tragic incident prompted immediate action from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who sought Bhullar's resignation and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. The inquiry has been assigned to Chief Secretary KAP Sinha to ensure impartiality and transparency.
Chief Minister's Firm Stance on Accountability
Addressing the media at a press conference, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sympathy for Randhawa's family while emphasizing the need for a fair investigation. "It is very sad and we sympathize with his family. But the reasons behind the suicide are a matter of investigation. To ensure a fair probe, we have asked the minister to resign. No one should be able to influence it," Mann stated unequivocally.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that any action leading to a person's death would not be tolerated under his administration. "No official should be pushed to the extent that he gives up on life," Mann declared, adding that Bhullar's portfolio would be reassigned soon to maintain administrative continuity.
Family Alleges Threats and Pressure
Amarjeet Singh, Randhawa's uncle, spoke to media representatives about the immense stress the family had been experiencing. He revealed disturbing details, alleging that Randhawa had moved his children to a relative's house and left his mother at their Gurnam Nagar home after receiving threats that gangsters would abduct them and kill him if he did not comply with certain demands.
"He was a good person. What we know is that he was assaulted and hit on the head. He could not bear this humiliation," Amarjeet Singh stated emotionally. The family has demanded justice through a CBI investigation or high-level probe, seeking a postmortem by a special board of doctors to ensure thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Randhawa's death.
Political Reactions and Additional Evidence
Opposition parties quickly seized upon the incident, with Akali Dal and Congress leaders alleging connections to a Food Corporation of India warehouse project in Bhullar's constituency. The warehousing corporation served as the nodal agency for this project, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
In another purported 32-second video that has surfaced, Randhawa is heard claiming he accepted Rs 10 lakh to clear tenders. Police sources have indicated the video may have been recorded under pressure, though independent verification has not been possible at this stage of the investigation.
Minister's Response and Resignation
Laljit Bhullar, who represents Patti in Tarn Taran district as an AAP MLA, has categorically denied all allegations against him. In a Facebook post, Bhullar termed the accusations "baseless and false" but expressed his commitment to ensuring a proper investigation.
"I do not want my position as a minister to become a hindrance in this matter; I want a fair investigation to take place," Bhullar stated, confirming that he had submitted his resignation to the chief minister. The minister emphasized his willingness to step down to facilitate an impartial inquiry, despite maintaining his innocence regarding the allegations.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police B V Sirivennela confirmed that discussions with the family are ongoing as the investigation progresses. The case has drawn significant attention across Punjab's political landscape, with demands for justice and transparency growing louder by the hour.
