“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. His arrest comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation, who allegedly died by suicide after accusing Bhullar of harassment in a video.
The circumstances surrounding Randhawa’s death have sparked outrage and prompted his family to issue a 24-hour ultimatum for Bhullar’s arrest, which was met with swift action from law enforcement. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh confirmed the arrest, stating that Bhullar was taken into custody in Mandi Gobindgarh.
In the aftermath of Randhawa’s death, an FIR was registered against Bhullar under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment to suicide and criminal intimidation. Bhullar had resigned from his cabinet position just two days prior to his arrest, following the mounting allegations of harassment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe could be initiated into the matter, further complicating the political landscape. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have also booked Bhullar’s father and personal assistant under the same charges, intensifying scrutiny on the family.
Political reactions have been swift. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the need for strict action against law violators, stating, “For me, the entire Punjab is one family. If anyone in Punjab violates the law, strict action will be taken against them.”
Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), defended the government’s 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.”
However, opposition parties have raised concerns, with Sunil Jakhar claiming that the AAP government is reluctant to allow a CBI investigation, fearing exposure of deeper issues involving party leaders. Jakhar stated, “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.”
As investigations continue, the political ramifications of Bhullar’s arrest are yet to unfold, with many watching closely to see how the AAP government navigates this crisis. Details remain unconfirmed.
