Former Punjab Transport Minister Arrested in Connection with Suicide Case

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. Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation based in Amritsar, had reportedly taken his own life by consuming poison on the same day Bhullar resigned amid accusations of harassment. Bhullar's 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 leaving the House, he requested Shah to listen to his concerns, to which Shah replied that he would order a CBI investigation if all Punjab MPs submitted a written request.

Prior to his arrest, Bhullar posted on Facebook asserting his complete faith in the judiciary, stating that he was surrendering voluntarily. He emphasized that his decisions have always been guided by the welfare of others and the pursuit of truth. He refuted rumors suggesting he was attempting to flee, declaring, 'I have never been one to run from the truth.' He expressed his unwavering trust in the country's laws and the justice system, affirming, 'I am not fleeing; I am right here in Punjab. Believing in truth and justice, I am voluntarily surrendering in Mandi Gobindgarh.' In response to Bhullar's arrest, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann commented on Facebook, stating, 'For me, the entire Punjab is like family. Strict action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law in Punjab.'

Mann further stated that no one, regardless of their position or relationship, would receive protection, emphasizing that the party's agenda does not include shielding anyone. He reiterated a strict ban on cash and favors. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also commented on the incident, speaking to reporters outside Parliament, attributing the situation to the actions of Punjab's cabinet minister, transport minister, and jail minister Laljit Bhullar. He alleged that Bhullar pressured the district manager to secure an FCI tender in the name of his father, Jagdeep Singh.