Punjab transport minister Laljit Bhullar resigns after official ‘blames him’ in suicide video

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned from the state cabinet on Saturday morning, hours after a Punjab Warehousing Corporation (PWC) official allegedly died by suicide and accused him of harassment.

The resignation was accepted by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also ordered an immediate inquiry into the allegations. According to an official statement, the Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary K A P Sinha to conduct a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The chief minister has zero tolerance for negligence. While the inquiry is underway, action has already been taken,” a spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office said, underlining the government’s stance on accountability.

The development follows the death of Gagandeep Randhawa, a district manager with the PWC posted in Amritsar. Randhawa allegedly died by suicide, and a video that surfaced after his death has intensified the controversy. Watch the video below:

In the purported video, he claimed he took the extreme step out of fear of the minister and suggested that he might not survive.

The authenticity of the video is yet to be officially confirmed, but it has triggered widespread concern and prompted swift political action. Authorities are expected to examine the video as part of the inquiry.

Officials said that the investigation will look into all aspects of the case, including any alleged pressure or harassment faced by the deceased. Statements from colleagues, family members, and officials associated with the PWC are likely to be recorded as part of the probe.

Bhullar’s resignation is being seen as a damage-control measure by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The party has faced criticism from opposition leaders, who have demanded a fair and time-bound investigation into the incident.

While Bhullar has not issued a detailed public statement following his resignation, sources indicated that he stepped down to ensure an impartial inquiry and avoid any interference in the investigation process.

The incident has also sparked a broader debate over workplace pressure and administrative functioning within government bodies. Employee associations and civil society groups have called for stronger safeguards to prevent harassment and ensure the mental well-being of officials.

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have initiated proceedings in connection with the alleged suicide. A case has been registered, and further action will depend on the findings of both the police investigation and the administrative inquiry ordered by the state government.

As the probe progresses, the case is expected to remain under close political and public scrutiny, with questions being raised over accountability, governance, and the working conditions within state-run institutions.

(Disclaimer: Suicide Is Not A Solution: If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you are worried about a friend, or you need emotional support, then there is someone who is always there to listen to you. Call the Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences helpline at 9152987821 (available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm).