Punjab minister row: Wife alleges ‘obey or consume poison’ threat in warehousing official death case
Suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa has triggered major political storm in Punjab, with his family leveling grave allegations against State Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and his close aides
In a shocking turn of events, the family of the deceased senior government official has accused an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister of allegedly assaulting, slapping, and even striking Gagandeep Singh Randhawa with a pistol, actions they claim humiliated him to the extent of committing suicide.
The suicide of the district manager of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation has triggered a major political storm in Punjab, with his family levelling grave allegations of harassment, assault and coercion against former State Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and his close aides.
Also read: AAP Punjab minister Laljit Bhullar resigns amid Amritsar warehousing official's death
According to a detailed police complaint filed by Upinder Kaur, wife of the deceased Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, her husband had been under intense pressure for months over the allotment of warehouse construction tenders.
She alleged that the minister, along with his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh, repeatedly forced Randhawa to favour them in the tender process.
Also read: SAD seeks CBI probe into Randhawa suicide, calls it ‘cover-up’
The complaint claims that despite Randhawa’s refusal to violate rules, he was subjected to continuous threats, intimidation, and mental harassment. In a serious allegation, the family stated that Randhawa was called to the minister’s residence in Patti on March 13, where he was allegedly assaulted, slapped, and even struck with a pistol. The accused also allegedly forced him at gunpoint to record a false video statement.
Upinder Kaur further alleged that her husband was repeatedly threatened with death, with warnings that his family would also be harmed if he did not comply. “He was told to either obey or consume poison,” the complaint states.
Also read: Punjab minister row: Wife alleges ‘obey or consume poison’ threat in warehousing official death case
Unable to bear the sustained pressure, Randhawa allegedly consumed a poisonous substance early Saturday morning (5:30 am) and recorded a short video before his death, which later surfaced on social media.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, raising serious concerns over abuse of power and the safety of government officials. Opposition parties are expected to intensify demands for an independent probe and strict action against those named.
