FIR filed against Punjab minister after officer alleges harassment before suicide

An FIR has been registered against former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his personal assistant in connection with the alleged suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa in Amritsar.

Punjab Police lodged the case at Ranjit Avenue Police Station based on a complaint filed by Randhawa’s wife, Upinder Kaur, who accused the trio of sustained harassment, physical assault, and mental torture that allegedly drove her husband to take the extreme step.

Randhawa, a District Manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, consumed a poisonous substance and died during treatment at a private hospital on Friday. Before his death, he recorded a brief video message in which he held Bhullar responsible for his actions.

Political storm and minister’s removal

The incident has triggered a major political controversy in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann removed Bhullar from the Cabinet, where he handled the jail and transport portfolios.

Mann also ordered Chief Secretary KAP Sinha to conduct a detailed probe, stating that the death of a government officer under alleged political pressure would not be tolerated.

Opposition demands stricter action

Opposition parties have intensified their attack on the government, announcing plans to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence and demanding stringent action.

Bikram Singh Majithia termed Bhullar’s removal an “eyewash” and called for a CBI probe, demanding that a murder case be registered.

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar questioned the government’s credibility and sought Bhullar’s immediate arrest, alleging that pressure from those in power is forcing even government officials into extreme situations.

Senior Congress leaders, including Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and Gurjeet Aujla, met the bereaved family and demanded a fair and impartial investigation by the CBI.

Protests intensify

Leaders from multiple parties gathered outside the police station before the FIR was registered, reflecting the growing political pressure around the case.

With protests mounting and calls for a central probe growing louder, the case has become a flashpoint in Punjab politics, raising serious questions about accountability and alleged misuse of power.