“I have complete faith in the law of the country and unwavering trust in the justice system. I have not run anywhere; I am here in my Punjab… I am voluntarily surrendering myself in Mandi Gobindgarh,” stated Laljit Singh Bhullar as he turned himself in following a tumultuous series of events leading to his arrest.
Bhullar’s arrest on March 23, 2026, in Mandi Gobindgarh, comes in connection with the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation. Randhawa allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison, during which he accused Bhullar of harassment in a video.
The situation escalated when Randhawa’s family issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Bhullar’s arrest, prompting swift action from law enforcement. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh confirmed the arrest, which was made under serious charges including abetment to suicide.
Prior to his arrest, Bhullar resigned from his cabinet position amid mounting allegations of harassment. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated that a CBI probe into the matter could be forthcoming, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
In a notable development, the Punjab Police have also registered cases against Bhullar’s father and personal assistant under the same sections as Bhullar. This broadening of the investigation has led to claims from opposition parties that Bhullar’s arrest was influenced by pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Bhullar defended his actions, asserting, “The AAP government took immediate action against that Minister without any delay or discrimination, not only removing him from his position but also getting him arrested,” said AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, emphasizing the party’s commitment to accountability.
However, critics like Sunil Jakhar argue that the AAP government is reluctant to allow a CBI investigation, fearing exposure of deeper issues involving party leaders. “The AAP government does not want the case to go to the CBI because, if that happens, several layers involving AAP leaders, including those from Delhi, would be exposed,” he claimed.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann responded to the unfolding crisis, stating, “For me, the entire Punjab is one family. If anyone in Punjab violates the law, strict action will be taken against them,” reinforcing the government’s stance on law enforcement.
As investigations continue, the political landscape in Punjab remains charged, with many awaiting further developments in this high-profile case. Details remain unconfirmed.
