Demand for Post-Mortem of Punjab Officer Sparks Controversy: SAD Leader
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, March 23 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia called for the post-mortem of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, an officer from the Warehousing Corporation, to be conducted at PGIMER or by a panel of doctors from AIIMS to ensure true justice. He also urged for the arrest of former Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar’s father and personal assistant.
In a press conference, Majithia expressed gratitude to all Opposition leaders, Kisan organizations, and the Warehousing Corporation Union for their solidarity that he believes resulted in the arrest of Minister Bhullar.
He commended the Randhawa family for their fortitude in facing immense pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in their pursuit of justice for Randhawa.
Majithia emphasized that this incident is not merely about forcing Randhawa to take his own life through brutal means, but also highlights a larger issue of rampant corruption involving Laljit Bhullar and AAP officials.
He pointed out the neglect shown by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh, Warehousing Corporation Managing Director Gautam Jain, and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, who failed to respond to repeated appeals from the officers and should be investigated.
“A CBI probe is vital for this reason,” Majithia asserted, criticizing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his dismissive remarks regarding the arrest of Bhullar.
Majithia stated that the combined pressure from the Opposition, unions, the Randhawa family, and the Union Home Minister’s indication of a potential CBI inquiry compelled the AAP government to act.
“The government has been shielding Bhullar since March 21. Initially, the FIR was delayed for 24 hours, and the government refrained from arresting the minister or submitting his resignation to the Governor. Only when they were under significant pressure did they choose to arrest him today,” he remarked.
He added that if the Chief Minister genuinely viewed the state and the grieving family as part of his greater family, he should not hesitate to consent to a CBI investigation.
“All Punjab MPs, except those from AAP, are urging the Home Minister for a CBI probe. The absence of a demand from AAP MPs reveals their alignment with the AAP government in obstructing a transparent inquiry,” the former Cabinet minister concluded.