CBI probe could uncover more secrets: Sukhbir

Punjab: Claiming that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is evading a CBI inquiry into the suicide case of a Warehousing Corporation official, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that if a fair investigation were conducted, “many secrets would be exposed.” He stated, “Bhagwant Mann should stop making excuses for not recommending a CBI inquiry into the tragic death of Warehousing Corporation official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa.” Addressing a gathering in Moonak, the SAD President remarked that it is ludicrous that Mann has “only now realized that a Faridkot-based businessman committed suicide—after killing his two children—due to extortion carried out by a relative of a senior Punjab Congress leader.” He added, “The Chief Minister owes an explanation to the people of Punjab as to why he remained silent on this issue for four years and why he is still failing to take action in this matter.” Sukhbir Badal further demanded that the CM explain to everyone why—during his tenure as Transport Minister in 2021-22—he continued to push through a file detailing a ₹100-crore scam involving the fabrication of 814 government buses from Rajasthan, despite having received lower-rate bids from fabricators within Punjab.
‘Attempt to Shield a Tainted Leader’
Chandigarh: Senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia also strongly criticized CM Mann for refusing a CBI inquiry into the suicide case, alleging that it is an attempt to shield his tainted minister. He asserted, “The Chief Minister’s decision to deny a CBI inquiry has exposed the government’s complicity in corruption, intimidation, and criminal activities.” Questioning the government’s sensitivity, Majithia alleged that the CM—who is “intoxicated by power”—has failed to empathize with the anguish of the deceased official’s family, which includes his young children, elderly mother, and widowed wife. He alleged that the government has previously given a clean chit to several ministers facing accusations, and claimed that a similar approach is now being adopted to shield Bhullar as well. He also criticized the Chief Minister for allegedly mocking a female journalist who had raised questions regarding this issue, stating that such conduct reflects an attempt to divert attention from serious concerns rather than addressing them.