Punjab Ex-Minister, Father Booked in Warehousing Official's Suicide
Former Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and his father have been booked for abetment to suicide after a state warehousing official, Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, died by suicide. Randhawa's death, following harassment allegations, led to Bhullar's resignation and a major political storm in Punjab.
Key Highlights
- Former Punjab Minister Laljit Bhullar and his father booked.
- Warehousing official Gagandeep Randhawa died by suicide.
- Randhawa accused Bhullar of harassment and tender pressure.
- Bhullar resigned as Transport and Jails Minister.
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann ordered an impartial probe.
- FIR registered under abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation.
A significant political controversy has erupted in Punjab following the alleged suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a District Manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar. The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 21, 2026, led to the booking of former Punjab Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbag Singh on Saturday night, March 21, 2026.
According to reports, Gagandeep Singh Randhawa allegedly took his own life by consuming a poisonous substance at his residence in Amritsar. Before his death, Randhawa recorded a video message and left a suicide note, which subsequently surfaced on social media. In these, he explicitly accused Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar of harassment and extreme pressure related to the allotment of warehouse tenders. Randhawa claimed he was being forced to award a tender to a specific aide of the minister, and when he refused, he faced continuous threats, intimidation, and even physical assault. Some reports detailed allegations that Randhawa was summoned to Bhullar's residence, beaten, and coerced at gunpoint into recording a false video confession admitting to a ₹10 lakh bribe, intended to be used for blackmail.
The revelation of these serious allegations swiftly triggered a political firestorm across Punjab. Opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), immediately seized upon the issue, demanding stringent action against the minister and calling for a thorough and impartial investigation.
In response to the escalating crisis, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked Laljit Singh Bhullar to resign from his cabinet post to ensure that the investigation remained free of any influence. Bhullar tendered his resignation on Saturday, March 21, stating via a Facebook post that his party stands for truth and he wished for the allegations to be properly investigated. He denied the charges, calling them "baseless and false." Chief Minister Mann emphasized his government's "zero tolerance for negligence" and ordered the Chief Secretary to conduct an impartial inquiry into the matter.
The Amritsar police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Bhullar, and his personal assistant Dilbag Singh. The FIR was lodged at the Ranjit Avenue police station on Saturday night, March 21, 2026, based on a complaint filed by Randhawa's wife, Upinder Kaur. The accused have been booked under sections 108/109 (abetment to suicide), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Randhawa's family has expressed fears for their safety and demanded police protection, also refusing to conduct his last rites until the accused are arrested.
This incident marks Bhullar as the third minister in the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government to face allegations of criminal or ethical misconduct and be asked to step down, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the administration. The case highlights the intense pressure and alleged corruption surrounding government tenders and the grave consequences it can have on officials. Political leaders continue to visit the aggrieved family, extending condolences and demanding justice, while the Chief Minister has assured a fair and uninfluenced probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Laljit Singh Bhullar and what are the allegations against him?
Laljit Singh Bhullar is a former Punjab Transport and Jails Minister. He has been accused of harassing and pressuring Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a state warehousing official, over tender allotments, leading to Randhawa's suicide.
What happened to Gagandeep Singh Randhawa?
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a District Manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, died by suicide after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance. He left behind a video and suicide note accusing Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar of harassment.
Has an FIR been registered in this case?
Yes, an FIR has been registered against former Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh. They are booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation, and common intention.
What action has the Punjab government taken?
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked Laljit Singh Bhullar to resign from his cabinet post to ensure an impartial investigation. Bhullar subsequently tendered his resignation, and CM Mann has ordered a probe into the matter.
What were the specific allegations made by Randhawa against Bhullar?
Randhawa alleged that Bhullar pressured him to favor certain bidders in warehouse tenders, demanded a bribe, and physically assaulted him. He also claimed he was forced at gunpoint to record a false confession of accepting a bribe.
