An FIR has been registered against former Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with the alleged suicide of a government officer in Amritsar. The case was filed soon after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accepted Bhullar's resignation on Saturday.
The deceased, identified as Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, was serving as District Manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation. According to police sources, he allegedly consumed poison on Friday and died the following day.
Before his death, Randhawa reportedly recorded a brief video message in which he accused Bhullar of mental harassment. Based on this, Bhullar has been booked on charges of abetment to suicide.
Allegations by family and opposition
Randhawa's wife, Upinder Kaur, has also accused Bhullar of physical and mental torture. She filed a complaint at Ranjit Avenue police station against Bhullar, his father, Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his personal assistant. She alleged that continuous pressure and harassment forced her husband to take the extreme step.
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Opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress, and BJP, staged protests demanding strict action. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has called for a CBI investigation into the incident.
Opposition leaders have also alleged that Randhawa was being pressured for bribes, though no official confirmation has been made on this claim.
Probe ordered, questioning begins
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered an inquiry into the incident. He has directed Chief Secretary K A P Singh to examine the circumstances that led to Randhawa's death and said that no political pressure on officials will be tolerated.
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Police sources said Bhullar was questioned on Saturday night following the registration of the FIR. However, opposition leaders have demanded his immediate arrest.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining the allegations and evidence related to the case.
