Amritsar Police Add Evidence Tampering Charge Against Former Minister in Suicide Case
In a significant development, Amritsar police have added a new charge against former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in the ongoing investigation into the suicide of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa. The authorities have invoked Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alleging tampering with evidence in the high-profile case.
Allegations of Evidence Withholding and Removal
Advocate Sarabjit Singh Verka of the Punjab Human Rights Organisation disclosed on Thursday that police have formally charged Bhullar under Section 238 of the BNS. Verka stated that Bhullar has failed to surrender the mobile phone he allegedly used to contact Randhawa before the tragic incident. Furthermore, Verka made serious allegations regarding the removal of the hard disk from the DVR connected to CCTV cameras, suggesting potential obstruction in the investigation.
Victim's Family Expresses Frustration Over Delayed Probe
Meanwhile, Upinder Kaur Randhawa, the wife of the deceased Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, has voiced her disappointment with the pace of the investigation. In a note shared with media outlets, she referenced Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's announcement of a high-level probe led by the Chief Secretary. "We heard the claims, but are still awaiting the promised action, even three weeks after my husband's suicide following assaults, threats and harassment," she lamented.
Upinder Kaur Randhawa also emphasized the family's demand for an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the matter. "We also demanded an ED probe into the case, as it is linked to tender allotment and involves central government agencies," she added, highlighting the potential financial and procedural dimensions of the case that may require federal scrutiny.
Background and Implications
The case has drawn considerable public attention due to its connection to a former minister and allegations of misconduct in government tender processes. The addition of the evidence tampering charge represents a critical escalation in the legal proceedings, potentially complicating Bhullar's defense. Legal experts note that Section 238 of the BNS pertains to offenses involving the destruction or concealment of evidence, which could carry significant penalties if proven.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, with calls for transparency and expediency in delivering justice for the Randhawa family. The involvement of multiple agencies, including potential ED intervention, underscores the case's complexity and its implications for governance and accountability in Punjab.
