CHANDIGARH – In a major political development, Punjab’s Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned from the Cabinet on Saturday morning. The move follows the tragic death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a District Manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation (PWC), who allegedly died by suicide naming the minister in a final video message.
Key Details of the Incident
The Allegations: In a video recorded shortly before his death, Randhawa claimed he was being subjected to extreme harassment and threats by Bhullar. He specifically alleged that he was being pressured to award a government warehousing tender to one of the minister’s political aides, a demand he had refused in favor of a legitimate bidder.
The Assault: Reports suggest that Randhawa was summoned to the minister’s residence, where he was allegedly physically assaulted. He also claimed that attempts were made to film a coerced “confession” video of him accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe to be used as blackmail.
Cause of Death: Randhawa, a resident of Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar, reportedly consumed Celphos (a poisonous pesticide) on Friday evening and passed away during treatment at a private hospital.
Government and Political Reaction
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought and accepted Bhullar’s resignation immediately to ensure a transparent investigation. The CM has directed Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha to conduct a high-level inquiry, stating that his government has “zero tolerance” for any conduct that pushes an official to such an extreme step.
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders, including Bikram Singh Majithia (SAD) and Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress), have intensified their demands, seeking the registration of a murder case and a CBI probe into the “torture” of the official.
Punjab Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar Resigns Following Official’s Suicide
