Chandigarh: Leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, along with Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MP Gurpreet Aujla, former deputy CM O P Soni and other Congress leaders, on Saturday met the bereaved family of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation who died by suicide.Expressing grief and solidarity with the family, Bajwa stated that the circumstances surrounding the death were extremely disturbing and raised serious questions that could not be ignored. He emphasised that the family deserved justice and accountability must be ensured at all costs.Bajwa said serious allegations had surfaced against AAP minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, including claims of physical assault, coercion and sustained harassment. It has been reported that Gagandeep Singh Randhawa named the minister before taking the extreme step, alleging pressure to falsely admit accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh, manipulation of tenders and threats.“In such a grave situation, my first demand as leader of the opposition is that an FIR should be registered immediately for abetment to suicide. Bhullar must be arrested without delay, and the case should be handed over to the CBI for a fair and impartial investigation,” said the Congress leader. Bajwa further said the post mortem should be conducted by PGI Chandigarh or AIIMS to find out whether the deceased was physically assaulted by Bhullar or his men, as alleged.He further stated that the responsibility now lies with the Punjab govt, led by chief minister Bhagwant Mann, and the Punjab Police to demonstrate that the rule of law prevails and applies equally to all, regardless of position or power. Any delay or inaction in this case will only deepen public mistrust and raise further doubts about the govt’s intent, the senior leader added.Bajwa also urged the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.“This is not about politics. This is about justice, accountability and the protection of honest officers. The tragic death of a govt official under such circumstances has once again exposed the alarming state of law and order in Punjab,” he added. MSID:: 129719291 413 |
