“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 to authorities on March 23, 2026.
Bhullar’s arrest is linked to the tragic death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation, who allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison. In a video, Randhawa accused Bhullar of harassment, prompting his family to issue a 24-hour ultimatum for Bhullar’s arrest.
The arrest took place in Mandi Gobindgarh, as confirmed by Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh. An FIR has been filed against Bhullar under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment to suicide and criminal intimidation.
Just two days prior to his arrest, Bhullar resigned from his cabinet position amid growing allegations of harassment. This swift action has drawn attention to the political dynamics within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has faced criticism from opposition parties claiming that Bhullar’s arrest was influenced by external pressures on the AAP government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe could be ordered into the matter, further complicating the situation. The Punjab Police have also booked Bhullar’s father and personal assistant under the same charges.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann responded to the incident, stating, “For me, the entire Punjab is one family. If anyone in Punjab violates the law, strict action will be taken against them.”
Political reactions have varied, with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal emphasizing that the government acted promptly against Bhullar, saying, “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.”
Conversely, Sunil Jakhar, an opposition leader, suggested that the AAP government is reluctant for the case to be handed over to the CBI, fearing exposure of deeper connections involving AAP leaders.
As investigations continue, the situation remains fluid, with many awaiting further developments in this high-profile case.
Details remain unconfirmed.
