Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann ousts minister Laljit Bhullar over warehousing official’s death

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has sought the resignation of transport and jails minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, following a controversy triggered by a purported video linked to the alleged suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar.Replying to a question during a press conference, CM Mann stated, “The matter of the district manager’s suicide came to my notice. It is very sad, and we sympathise with his family. But what are the reasons behind the suicide is a matter of investigation.” To ensure the integrity of the upcoming probe, Mann said, “Before the probe, we have asked the minister to resign. No one should be able to influence the probe or put pressure on anyone,” he added. Mann asserted, “I repeat that any such action that leads to someone’s death is not something that will be tolerated. We did not enter politics or make parties for this purpose. No official should be pushed so much that he gives up his life.” The chief minister has since directed the chief secretary to lead a transparent inquiry into the allegations. “I have asked the chief secretary to conduct a fair probe. We will take an appropriate action after that. As of now, I have taken the biggest possible action by asking the minister to resign. His portfolio will be given to someone else shortly.”Meanwhile, Congress’ Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla informed that the district manager was holding the charge of Amritsar, besides additional charge of Tarn Taran. Aujla alleged that the controversy involved award of tenders for building warehouses. He demanded that a police case should be registered against Bhullar and police should cease the CC TV footage of Bhullar at the time of the officials’ reported meeting with the minister before his death.Bhullar is AAP’s MLA from Patti Assembly constituency in Tarn Taran district. Randhawa, who was handling additional charge in Patti—Bhullar’s constituency—allegedly recorded a final video before consuming Celphos (aluminum phosphide) poison, allegedly accusing Bhullar of harassment.