Former Punjab Minister Arrested Following Official's Suicide Linked to Harassment Claims

Arrest of Laljit Singh Bhullar

Laljit Singh Bhullar, the former Transport Minister of Punjab, was taken into custody on Monday in relation to the suicide of a Punjab Warehousing Corporation official who had accused him of harassment, as reported by the chief minister’s office.

Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager at the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, tragically took his own life at home on Friday. He left behind a video in which he allegedly expressed fear of Bhullar.

In a brief 12-second clip, Randhawa stated: “Your friend has consumed poison due to fear of minister Laljit Bhullar; I won’t survive now.”

Following his resignation on Saturday, a first information report was lodged that same night, implicating Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbag Singh.

The three individuals are facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetting suicide, criminal intimidation, and common intention.

Randhawa’s wife filed a complaint alleging that the trio pressured her husband to approve warehouse tenders in the name of Bhullar’s father, threatening severe repercussions for her family.

Additionally, the complaint claimed that on March 13, Randhawa was summoned to Bhullar's residence, where he was reportedly humiliated, assaulted, and coerced into recording a confession about accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh.

Relatives previously alleged that the video was intended to blackmail Randhawa into complying with the tender process.

On Monday, Randhawa’s family issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government for Bhullar's arrest, refusing to permit a post-mortem or cremation until action was taken.

Before his arrest, Bhullar announced on social media that he was surrendering voluntarily, expressing confidence in the legal system.

“I have full faith in the law of the country, and also have unshakable faith in the justice system,” he stated. “Believing in truth and justice, I myself am surrendering at Mandi Gobindgarh.”

After the arrest, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that anyone breaking the law would face strict consequences, regardless of their position or influence.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah requested all Punjab MPs to formally communicate with him regarding Randhawa’s death, indicating his willingness to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Shah's response came after Congress MP Gurjit Singh Aujla raised the issue in Lok Sabha.