Chandigarh, March 21 Amidst a controversy over the suicide of a senior official of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation and allegations of harassment, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned from the Cabinet on Saturday.
It has been learnt that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had asked Bhullar to step down in light of the allegations. Additionally, CM Mann has ordered an inquiry by the Chief Secretary into the circumstances surrounding the official's death, including any possible involvement of the lawmaker.
Bhullar's name has come up in connection with the suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa. The Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to investigate the matter. While accepting Bhullar's resignation after taking cognizance of Randhawa's video statement, Chief Minister Mann stated that no negligence would be tolerated.
Responding to the incident, Akali Dal senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia wrote on X, "A young life lost in Amritsar amid serious allegations of torture linked to AAP Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar." "Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, District Manager, Warehouse Corporation Amritsar, died by suicide after consuming Celphos. A resident of Ranjit Avenue, he was handling Amritsar duties along with an additional charge of Patti."
He stated that the victim had named Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar before his death. "He alleged that he was forced to admit accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh. He claimed that he was pressured to award a tender to the minister's aide, and that he chose a legitimate bidder instead. He further alleged that he was called to the minister's place, assaulted, and attempts were made to record a video." This raises serious questions about Laljit Singh Bhullar and the conduct of those in power. Accountability questions now extend to Chief Minister @BhagwantMann and @AamAadmiParty leadership, including @ArvindKejriwal," Majithia said.
He called for the urgent need to secure and preserve his phone, which may contain crucial evidence. "This calls for a fair and independent investigation, including a CBI investigation, and justice for the victim," he added.