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Punjab official’s suicide: Daughter alleges ‘torture’ by former minister Bhullar, family refuses last rites without arrests

Statesman News Service

Wife of deceased Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, Upinder Kaur speaks to media in the relation to Punjab Warehousing Corporation (PWC) official suicide case of her husband, in Amritsar on Sunday. (ANI Video Grab) National::ANI Video Grab


The death of Punjab Warehousing Corporation (PWC) official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa has triggered outrage in Punjab, with his family appealing for immediate arrests and justice. Randhawa, a district manager with the corporation, who was allegedly tortured by former state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, died by suicide on Saturday.

The deceased’s daughter, Harsirat Kaur, alleged that her father had been under severe pressure in the days leading up to his death. “He was being tortured for more than a week. Arrest the guilty immediately. This is a non-bailable offence,” she said, demanding swift action from authorities.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have registered an FIR in connection with the case, naming Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh. However, there has been no arrests so far.

Family refuses last rites without action

Randhawa’s wife, Upinder Kaur, has also called for urgent intervention, demanding the arrest of Laljit Singh Bhullar. “No action has been taken so far. The postmortem and last rites will only be conducted after arrests are made,” she said.

Upinder Kaur also appealed to community groups to stand by the family. She said,” I appeal to all Jathebandis to support us.”

Echoing the demand, Randhawa’s brother-in-law Jasbir Singh said the family would not proceed with postmortem or funeral rites until those named in the FIR are arrested. “Despite videos circulating widely, no substantive action has been taken. He was pushed to such torment that it cost him his life. We want justice, nothing less,” he said, adding that no senior government representative had visited the family so far.

Government response

Responding to the controversy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the government maintains a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption. “If someone is found responsible for forcing another person to take such a step, the law will take its course. Whether it is a minister or anyone else, the law is the same for everyone,” Mann said.

The case continues to draw attention across the state, with mounting pressure on authorities to act swiftly as the grieving family holds firm on its demand for justice.

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