AAP Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has resigned from the Punjab Cabinet after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought his resignation in the wake of a controversy surrounding the suicide of a senior Punjab Warehousing Corporation official in Amritsar.
The development comes after the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, District Manager with the Warehousing Corporation, who died by suicide after consuming Celphos. Randhawa, a resident of Ranjit Avenue, was handling duties in Amritsar along with additional charge of Patti.
Shiromani Akali Dal senior leader and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia first exposed the case on social media and demanded a CBI probe, along with registration of a case under Section 302 of the IPC against Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. Before his death, Randhawa named Bhullar and levelled serious allegations of harassment linked to a tender process. He alleged that he was forced to admit to accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh and was pressured to award a tender to the minister’s aide. He maintained that he chose a legitimate bidder instead, which allegedly led to escalating tensions.
Randhawa further alleged that he was called to the minister’s residence, assaulted, and attempts were made to record a video. The allegations have raised serious concerns over abuse of authority and pressure on officials.
Confirming the action, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that no one is above someone’s life and asserted that his government is not in politics to push people towards suicide or to pressurise officers. He said the matter is subject to investigation and the minister’s resignation has been sought in view of the seriousness of the allegations.
The state government has ordered a formal inquiry into the circumstances leading to Randhawa’s death, including any possible involvement of the MLA. A government spokesperson reiterated that the Chief Minister has made it clear that no irregularity by anyone will be tolerated.
Meanwhile, there are growing demands to secure and preserve Randhawa’s phone, which is believed to contain crucial evidence. Calls are also mounting for a fair and independent probe, including a CBI investigation, to ensure accountability and justice.
