Rights body demands arrest of accused in Randhawa death case in Amritsar

The Jamhoori Adhikar Sabha (Punjab) in Amritsar has demanded the immediate arrest of those allegedly responsible for abetting the suicide of Punjab Warehousing Corporation District Manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa.

In a joint statement issued by state president Prof Jagmohan Singh, general secretary Pritpal Singh, and organising secretary Narbhinder Singh, the organisation termed the incident deeply tragic and alarming. They alleged that Gagandeep Singh was forced to take the extreme step due to pressure from Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and others.

The family members and employees had earlier demanded the registration of an FIR, which has now been lodged under relevant sections. However, the Sabha said that despite the case being registered, no arrests have been made so far, including those of the minister, his associate Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and others named in the complaint.

The organisation also questioned the statement of the Chief Minister, who said that an inquiry would be conducted before further action. It alleged that such statements indicate a reluctance to act against influential persons.

The Sabha supported the family’s demand for a post-mortem to be conducted outside Punjab and called for an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It said a fair investigation is not possible under the local police due to alleged government pressure.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the Sabha said the incident reflects the difficult and unsafe working conditions faced by government employees. It claimed that there were reports suggesting that Gagandeep Singh had informed senior officials about the pressure he was facing before his death.

The organisation expressed solidarity with the grieving family and reiterated its demand for the immediate arrest of all the accused and a CBI inquiry to ensure justice.