Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken the resignation of Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar after allegations surfaced in connection with the suicide of a government officer identified as Gagandeep Singh Randhawa who was working as a District Manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar.
Gagandeep Singh Randhawa reportedly consumed poison and later died during treatment at a private hospital and before taking this step he recorded a video and also left behind a note. In both, he is said to have accused Minister Bhullar, reports suggest that he even in his final moments named the minister which have made the matter serious.
The video has since gone viral on social media increasing public pressure and raising questions about accountability.
As soon as the matter came to light CM Mann asked Bhullar to step down and the idea behind this move is simple which is to ensure that the investigation is fair and not influenced in any way. The Chief Minister made it clear that no one is above the law and even senior leaders will be held accountable if found guilty.
The Punjab government has ordered a proper inquiry into the entire incident and the Chief Secretary has been asked to carry out an impartial investigation to find out what led Randhawa to take such a drastic step and whether the allegations against the minister are true or not.
CM Mann has also stressed over a strict zero tolerance policy when it comes to negligence or actions that push someone towards suicide.
Following this Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has made a public statement about the allegations against him and says that they are “completely baseless and false,” but added that he supports a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. He also mentions that until the inquiry is completed he has requested the party and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to accept his resignation so that his position does not influence the investigation in any way.
The issue has quickly turned political as oposition leaders including Vikram Singh Majithia have raised questions over the viral video and demanded strict action in the matter.