Explained: How a Punjab official’s suicide led to Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar’s resignation; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 21, 2026: The suicide of a senior Punjab warehousing official has set off a chain reaction—raising serious allegations, intensifying political pressure, and ultimately forcing Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar to step down and triggering a high-level probe by the state government.
The deceased, identified as Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, was serving as a District Manager with the corporation in Amritsar.
According to reports, he consumed poison and later died during treatment at a private hospital. Before taking the extreme step, Randhawa is said to have recorded a video message and left behind a note, in which he allegedly named Bhullar and accused him of harassment.
The video, now widely circulating on social media, has intensified public scrutiny, though its authenticity and full context are yet to be officially verified.
Punjab Govt's Action
Acting swiftly after the incident came to light, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought and accepted Bhullar’s resignation from the Cabinet. The Chief Minister also directed Chief Secretary K A P Sinha to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter.
Government sources indicate that the resignation was aimed at ensuring a fair investigation, free from any potential influence.
Laljit Singh Bhullar's statement
Responding to the allegations, Bhullar has denied any involvement, calling the claims “baseless and false.” At the same time, he expressed support for a transparent investigation, stating that stepping down would allow the probe to proceed without interference.
The incident has also sparked sharp political reactions. Senior Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has demanded the immediate registration of a criminal case against Bhullar, alleging that the minister was responsible for mental and physical harassment of the official.
He has urged both the Chief Minister and the Punjab Police to take swift action, including arrest if warranted.
As the inquiry gets underway, the case has become a significant test for the Punjab government, with opposition parties closely watching the investigation and pressing for accountability.
Bikram Singh Majithia
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia also weighed in on the controversy, alleging that the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa raises serious questions about those in power. In a detailed statement, he claimed that Randhawa, a resident of Amritsar who was serving as District Manager with additional charge of Patti, died by suicide after consuming Celphos.
Majithia alleged that before his death, Randhawa had named former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and accused him of harassment. He further claimed that the officer was allegedly pressured to falsely admit to accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe and to award a tender to an associate of the minister, but chose a legitimate bidder instead. According to Majithia, Randhawa was allegedly called to the minister’s residence, assaulted, and attempts were made to record a video.
Calling the incident deeply concerning, the SAD leader demanded accountability, extending his questions to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party, including Arvind Kejriwal.
He also stressed the urgent need to secure the deceased official’s phone as potential evidence and called for a fair and independent probe, including a CBI investigation, to ensure justice.
Partap Singh Bajwa
Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, also raised serious concerns over the incident, stating that the circumstances surrounding the death of Gagandeep Randhawa warrant a thorough and impartial investigation.
He noted that grave allegations, including claims of assault and sustained harassment, have surfaced against former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar.
Bajwa pointed out that reports suggest the deceased had named the minister before taking the extreme step, making a fair and immediate probe critical. He further said the responsibility now lies with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab Police to ensure that the law is applied equally, irrespective of position or power. Emphasising that the matter goes beyond politics, Bajwa stressed that it is fundamentally about accountability and justice, warning that any delay or inaction could erode public trust.