Former Punjab Minister, Father, and PA Face FIR in Official's Suicide Case
In a late-night development, Amritsar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his personal assistant Dilbagh Singh, also known as Baga. The case pertains to the tragic suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation (PSWC) in Amritsar. The FIR was filed at the Ranjit Avenue police station at 11:51 PM on Saturday, following a complaint by Randhawa's wife, Upinder Kaur.
Political Storm Erupts Over Suicide Allegations
The suicide has ignited a significant political controversy across Punjab. Randhawa purportedly left behind a video blaming Bhullar for his extreme step, leading to swift action from the state government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promptly demanded Bhullar's resignation, emphasizing that "no official should be pushed so much that he gives up his life." In response, Bhullar has vehemently denied all allegations, calling for a thorough and proper investigation to uncover the truth.
Randhawa's family has taken a firm stance, refusing to cremate his body until Bhullar is arrested. They held a press conference in Amritsar on Sunday, demanding immediate arrests and justice. Opposition parties have seized upon the issue, criticizing the government's handling as a "drama" and advocating for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure transparency.
Legal Charges and Allegations Detailed in Complaint
The FIR has been registered under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 108: Abetment to suicide
- Section 351(3): Criminal intimidation
- Section 3(5): Common intention
In her detailed complaint, Upinder Kaur, a science teacher at Govt Senior Secondary School in Hair, alleged that Sukhdev Singh Bhullar had applied for tenders to construct godowns for the PSWC. She claimed that Laljit Singh Bhullar, who served as the transport and jails minister at the time, exerted undue pressure on her husband to award these tenders to his father at any cost.
Family Alleges Threats and Assault
Kaur further recounted a distressing incident on March 13, where Randhawa was summoned to Bhullar's residence in Patti. According to her complaint, Sukhdev Singh, Dilbagh Singh, and three other unidentified individuals were present, and her husband was allegedly assaulted during this meeting. The continuous threats reportedly terrified the family so much that they sent their three children to stay with their maternal uncle, while Kaur herself has been residing at her parents' home for safety.
Opposition Criticizes Government's Response
BJP state president Sunil Jakhar has criticized the government's actions, suggesting that the FIR was registered not out of genuine concern but under pressure from opposition parties. He highlighted the delay in filing the case, arguing that it reflects "mala fide intentions" and raises concerns about potential future tampering with the investigation.
As the case unfolds, it continues to draw widespread attention, with calls for accountability and justice echoing across political and public spheres in Punjab.
