Punjab: In Case of Warehousing Officer’s Death, Wife Alleges Threat: “Obey Me or Consume Poison”

Punjab: In a shocking turn of events, the family of a 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. The family claims that these actions caused him such profound humiliation that he took his own life. The suicide of the District Manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation has triggered a major political storm in Punjab. His family has leveled serious allegations of harassment, assault, and coercion against former State Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and his close associates. According to a detailed police complaint filed by the deceased Gagandeep Singh Randhawa’s wife, Upinder Kaur, her husband had been under immense pressure for several months regarding the allocation of tenders for warehouse construction.
She alleged that the minister, in collusion with his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbagh Singh, repeatedly pressured Randhawa to manipulate the tender process in their favor. The complaint claims that despite Randhawa’s refusal to violate regulations, he was subjected to constant threats, intimidation, and mental harassment. Making a grave allegation, the family stated that on March 13, Randhawa was summoned to the minister’s residence in Patti, where he was allegedly assaulted, slapped, and even struck with a pistol. The accused reportedly also forced him to record a false video statement at gunpoint.
Upinder Kaur further alleged that her husband received repeated death threats and was warned that if he did not comply, his family would also be harmed. The complaint states, “He was told to either obey their orders or consume poison.” Unable to withstand the relentless pressure, Randhawa allegedly consumed a poisonous substance early Saturday morning (at 5:30 AM) and recorded a short video prior to his death, which subsequently surfaced on social media. This incident has sent shockwaves across the entire state, raising grave concerns regarding the misuse of power and the safety of government officials. Opposition parties are expected to intensify their demands for an independent inquiry and strict action against those named in connection with the incident.