Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, District Manager (DM) of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation, allegedly died by suicide after consuming a poisonous substance (sulphas), triggering a major political controversy in Punjab.
Before his death, Gagandeep Singh Randhawa recorded a video in which he held Punjab Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar responsible for his extreme step and levelled serious allegations against him.
In the video message, Randhawa claimed that the minister had been exerting pressure on him and allegedly attempting to influence the awarding of tenders to close associates. Following the controversy, Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned from his position as a cabinet minister.
After the incident, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered the Chief Secretary to conduct a detailed and impartial investigation into the matter.
The death also triggered strong political reactions. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia criticized the state government and demanded registration of a murder case under Section 302 and the arrest of the former minister.
Authorities have initiated further proceedings, and the investigation is expected to examine all allegations mentioned in the video as well as the circumstances leading to the incident.
