Punjab Transport Minister Resigns Amid Suicide Controversy, CM Orders Probe

Chandigarh, March 2026 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday accepted the resignation of state Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar following a major political controversy linked to the alleged harassment of a government official who later died by suicide.

The case centres around Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager with the Warehouse Corporation in Amritsar. Allegations have surfaced that Randhawa was subjected to mental and physical torture by the minister, which ultimately led to his tragic death. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and calls for accountability from opposition parties.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Mann has directed the Chief Secretary to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. Emphasising zero tolerance, he stated that any form of negligence or wrongdoing would not be overlooked. The minister stepped down amid mounting pressure and criticism as the issue gained significant public and political attention.

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia strongly raised the issue, alleging serious misconduct. In a detailed post, he claimed that before taking his life, Randhawa had accused Bhullar of pressuring him to favour a bidder in exchange for a ₹10 lakh bribe. When Randhawa reportedly selected a different bidder on merit, he was allegedly summoned to the minister’s residence, assaulted, and an attempt was made to record the incident.

Majithia questioned the conduct of those in power and called for an independent probe, including a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. He also stressed the need to secure Randhawa’s phone, which he said could contain crucial evidence related to the case.

The Congress party also strongly reacted to the developments. Senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira condemned the alleged actions and demanded immediate legal proceedings against Bhullar. He alleged that Randhawa had named the minister before his death and called for his arrest, warning that failure to act could raise concerns about misuse of law enforcement agencies.

The controversy has intensified political tensions in the state, with opposition parties demanding strict action and transparency. As investigations begin, the case is expected to remain in focus, raising broader questions about accountability and governance in Punjab.