Punjab Minister Resigns Following Controversial Official Suicide
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, March 21 (NationPress) In the wake of a controversy surrounding the suicide of a senior official from the Punjab Warehousing Corporation and accusations of harassment, Punjab's Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar submitted his resignation from the Cabinet on Saturday.
Sources indicate that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann requested Bhullar to resign in light of the serious allegations. Furthermore, CM Mann has initiated an inquiry led by the Chief Secretary to investigate the events leading up to the official's tragic demise, including any potential connections to the minister.
The minister has been implicated in the suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the District Manager of the Warehouse Corporation. CM Mann has directed the Chief Secretary to examine the matter thoroughly. Upon accepting the resignation after reviewing a video statement from Randhawa, he emphasized that no form of negligence would be tolerated.
In response to this incident, senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia expressed his outrage on social media, stating, "A young life lost in Amritsar amid serious allegations of abuse linked to AAP minister Laljit Singh Bhullar." Randhawa, who resided in Ranjit Avenue, tragically took his own life after ingesting Celphos. He was managing duties in Amritsar while also overseeing responsibilities in Patti.
Majithia revealed that the deceased identified Laljit Singh Bhullar as the individual who pressured him to admit to accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe. Randhawa claimed he was coerced to award a tender to an aide of the minister, despite having selected a legitimate bidder instead. He alleged that he was assaulted at the minister's residence, and attempts were made to record a compromising video. These revelations raise profound questions regarding Laljit Singh Bhullar and the integrity of those in power. The calls for accountability now extend to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, as Majithia stated.
He emphasized the urgent necessity to secure and preserve Randhawa's phone, which may hold vital evidence. He also demanded a fair and independent investigation, potentially involving the CBI, to ensure justice for the victim.