Former Punjab Minister Arrested in Connection with Warehouse Officer's Suicide Case

Arrest of Laljit Singh Bhullar

On Monday afternoon, Laljit Singh Bhullar, the former transport minister of Punjab, was taken into custody in Mandi Gobindgarh, Fatehgarh Sahib district, for allegedly inciting the suicide of a warehouse corporation officer. This information was confirmed by a senior police official. Following accusations of harassment against Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation based in Amritsar, Bhullar resigned from his position on Saturday. Randhawa reportedly died by poisoning on the same day.

Political Reactions and Calls for Investigation

The arrest occurred just two hours after Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla raised the issue in Parliament, prompting a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. As Aujla was about to leave the House, he requested Shah to listen to his concerns. Shah responded that if all Punjab MPs collectively submit a written request, he would promptly order a CBI investigation into the matter.

During a session in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah stated that he would initiate a CBI inquiry if Punjab MPs formally write to him regarding the suicide case of the warehouse officer. The topic was brought up during zero hour by Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. Aujla emphasized the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should conduct the investigation.

He alleged that the officer felt compelled to take such a drastic step following threats from a minister in the Punjab government. Shah reiterated that it is a matter concerning Punjab, and if the MPs write to him, he would immediately order a CBI probe. Minister Bittu added that all opposition parties in Punjab are united on this issue, and with the assurance from the Home Minister, all Punjab MPs should formally request a CBI investigation.