Punjab Opposition Leaders Detained in Chandigarh Protest Over Warehousing Officer's Death
In a significant political development, functionaries from multiple opposition parties in Punjab were detained by Chandigarh Police on Sunday as they attempted to march towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's official residence. The protest was organized to demand swift and decisive action in the alleged abetment to suicide case of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa.
Police Action and Political Gathering
Leaders from the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Communist Party of India (CPI) assembled at the MLA hostel before launching their protest march. The Chandigarh Police intervened, stopping the procession en route and employing water cannons to disperse the gathering. Several prominent leaders were taken into custody but were subsequently released later in the day.
Key Demands and Allegations
The protesters presented a series of urgent demands, including the immediate arrest of former transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbag Singh. They also called for a comprehensive Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the circumstances surrounding Randhawa's death.
Leader of opposition in the Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa of the Congress, leveled serious allegations, stating that the evidence indicated Randhawa had been subjected to confinement and extortion. "The facts clearly establish cognisable offences, and the law must take its due course without delay or dilution," Bajwa emphasized.
Congress Questions Investigation Pace
Bajwa raised critical questions about the investigation's progress, asking why police had not yet seized the mobile phones of Laljit Singh Bhullar and his alleged accomplices. He urged authorities to collect tower dump data and secure CCTV footage to preserve crucial evidence. Furthermore, Bajwa demanded that provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act be invoked against Bhullar for allegedly misusing his official position to coerce a public servant into illegal acts.
"The responsibility does not end with one individual," Bajwa asserted, calling for investigations into the managing director of Warehousing, the deputy commissioner of Amritsar, the chief secretary, and even Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for potential dereliction of duty.
Political Leaders Voice Outrage
Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring expressed deep concern, stating, "An honest officer has lost his life due to pressure and corruption, and instead of ensuring justice, the government is trying to suppress the truth." Warring dismissed the minister's resignation as merely an eyewash and questioned why no strict action had been taken against those named by the victim.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar launched a scathing attack on the state government, alleging, "A group looting Punjab has taken control of the government." Jakhar announced that the Punjab BJP would hold protests at all district headquarters on March 23 and revealed his participation in a district-level protest in Patiala.
Demands for CBI Probe and Government Accountability
Jakhar emphasized that despite public pressure leading to a case being registered against the minister, no arrests had been made. "There is no hope of justice from this government," he declared, demanding a CBI investigation and stating that the chief minister had no moral right to remain in office. He further alleged that extremely dishonest people had captured power in Punjab under the guise of honesty and were openly looting the state.
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia accused the government of shielding the accused, claiming that an AAP minister's hooliganism, corruption, and gangster threats had pushed a capable officer to his death. Majithia pointed out delays in FIR registration and alleged police pressure on the bereaved family to compromise.
Family's Appeal for Justice
Amid the political confrontation, Varinder Pal Singh, brother of the deceased officer, made an emotional appeal for swift action. "Although an FIR has been registered, if the CM is truly honest, he should ensure the immediate arrest of the minister and other accused so that the family can perform the last rites," he stated, highlighting the family's anguish and demand for closure.
The protest and subsequent detentions have intensified political tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties uniting to demand transparency and justice in a case that has raised serious questions about governance and accountability in the state.
