Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has resigned from his cabinet position following allegations of harassment linked to the alleged suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager for the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation (PSWC) in Amritsar. The official reportedly died after consuming poison, leaving behind a video alleging coercion by Bhullar over warehouse tenders. Bhullar, who held portfolios for transport and jails, stepped down after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanded his resignation to facilitate an impartial inquiry.
The Punjab Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his personal assistant Dilbag Singh. Charges include abetment of suicide, criminal intimidation, and common intention under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. This action follows intense pressure from opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, who have been demanding Bhullar's arrest and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The family of the deceased official initially refused to conduct the cremation and post-mortem until Bhullar was apprehended.
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Political Fallout and Demands
Opposition parties have united in their condemnation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of being forced to act only after sustained pressure. They have labelled the resignation insufficient, demanding immediate arrest and registration of a murder case against Bhullar. Leaders from various parties have staged protests and announced plans to 'gherao' the Chief Minister's residence, pressing for accountability.
"The Chief Minister no longer has any moral ground to continue in power. The officer died because he endured severe physical and mental harassment at the hands of the Minister." - Sunil Jakhar, BJP State President.
"Our government took immediate action against that Minister without any delay or discrimination, not only removing him from his position but also getting him arrested." - Arvind Kejriwal, AAP National Convenor.
While Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has asserted the capability of the Punjab Police to conduct a fair investigation and has rejected demands for a CBI probe, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated a willingness to transfer the case to the CBI if all Punjab MPs submit a formal written request.
Portfolio Reallocation and Background
Following Bhullar's resignation, Chief Minister Mann has ordered a high-level probe into the circumstances surrounding Randhawa's death, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on any negligence. The transport and jails portfolios previously held by Bhullar have been reassigned to other cabinet ministers.
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The controversy intensified after a purported video surfaced on social media, featuring Randhawa naming Bhullar and accusing him of harassment. Randhawa's maternal uncle also reportedly recounted an ordeal involving coercion at gunpoint related to tender disputes. Bhullar himself has denied the allegations, terming them "false and baseless" and stating his resignation was to ensure a fair inquiry.
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the deceased official, was reportedly handling additional charge in Patti, Bhullar's constituency. His death has sent ripples through Punjab's political landscape, sparking widespread outrage and a unified opposition front demanding justice for the bereaved family.
