Amritsar: A major controversy has erupted in Punjab after police registered a case against former state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with the alleged suicide of a government official in Amritsar. The development has intensified political tensions, drawing sharp reactions from across party lines.
The deceased, Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who served as a district manager with the Punjab Warehousing Corporation, reportedly ended his life at his residence on Sunday. Following a complaint filed by his wife, Upinder Kaur, authorities lodged a First Information Report naming Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh.
According to police officials, the accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to abetment of suicide, criminal intimidation, and acts carried out with common intent.
In her statement, Upinder Kaur alleged that her husband had been under prolonged stress due to sustained pressure over the allocation of warehouse tenders. She claimed that the accused repeatedly attempted to coerce him into manipulating the tender process in their favour. Despite his refusal, Randhawa was allegedly subjected to threats, intimidation, and repeated harassment.
The complaint further accuses the trio of physically assaulting Randhawa and humiliating him. It also alleges that he was threatened with harm to his family, including his children, and was forced under duress to record a misleading video statement. The family claims that the official had been receiving death threats for months.
Unable to cope with the mounting pressure, Randhawa allegedly consumed poison on Saturday morning. Before his death, he recorded a brief video message, which has since circulated widely on social media, adding fuel to the already volatile situation.
The incident has sparked a political uproar in the state, with opposition leaders visiting the bereaved family and demanding strict action. Questions are being raised over the functioning of the system and the safety of officials handling sensitive administrative responsibilities.
Police officials have stated that investigations are underway and that all allegations will be examined thoroughly. Meanwhile, the case continues to draw public and political attention, with calls for accountability growing louder.
