In a major development in the high-profile death case of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, police on Monday arrested Laljit Singh Bhullar. The action comes days after an FIR was registered against him and others, following allegations linking him to the circumstances leading to the official’s death.
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who was serving as District Manager with the corporation in Amritsar, had allegedly died by suicide earlier this week. The case gained widespread attention after reports emerged that Randhawa had recorded a video before his death, in which he purportedly named Bhullar and held him responsible for the extreme step.
Based on the family’s complaint and the contents of the alleged video, police registered a case not only against Bhullar but also against his father and personal assistant. The charges include abetment to suicide and other relevant provisions, though officials have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and further sections may be added depending on evidence.
The arrest marks a significant escalation in the case, which had already triggered a political storm across Punjab. Opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, Indian National Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party, had come together to demand immediate action against the former minister. They accused the ruling establishment of initially delaying action and called for a transparent and time-bound probe.
Under growing political and public pressure, Bhullar had earlier stepped down from his ministerial position, maintaining that the allegations against him were baseless. His resignation was seen as a move to ensure a fair investigation, even as the मामला continued to intensify on the ground.
The victim’s family, along with supporters and members of opposition parties, had staged protests for nearly three days, demanding justice and immediate arrest of those named in the complaint. The protests, held in Amritsar and surrounding areas, added to the pressure on the administration, eventually leading to the arrest.
Senior police officials have stated that the investigation is being carried out on multiple fronts, including forensic examination of digital evidence, verification of the alleged video, and recording of witness statements. Authorities have also indicated that the role of each one will be examined in detail before filing the final report.
The case has raised serious concerns about administrative pressures and the working conditions of government officials. It has also become a politically sensitive issue, with implications for governance and accountability in the state.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on the findings of the police and whether further arrests or revelations emerge in what has now become one of the most closely watched cases in Punjab in recent times.
