A fresh political storm has erupted in Punjab after Congress MP and former Jail Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa alleged that his son had received threats from jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. Randhawa claimed that his son was threatened shortly after meeting with an associate earlier in the day, followed by a firing incident. Speaking from Delhi, he emphasized that he remained unfazed by such threats and declared, “No gangster can shake me.”
Randhawa used the occasion to slam the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing them of turning Punjab into a “gangster’s paradise” and asserting that law and order in the state has deteriorated under their governance. In response, the Punjab government has requested Randhawa to provide specific details regarding the threats so that a formal investigation can proceed.
AAP leader Neel Garg retaliated by pointing fingers at Congress, accusing the party of fostering the very criminal elements it now denounces. Garg cited examples of past Congress governments allegedly offering legal support to known gangsters like Mukhtar Ansari and allowing figures like Bhagwanpuria to operate freely. He insisted that the AAP administration has adopted a strict, zero-tolerance policy towards gangsters and will act decisively if credible evidence is presented.
Adding to the political tension, Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler condemned the threat but also questioned Randhawa’s past role as Jail Minister. Kler said that gangster activity had persisted under Congress rule as well and alleged that Randhawa had not taken action when similar threats were issued during his tenure.
On the law enforcement front, Batala SSP Suhail Qasim Mir confirmed that two incidents are under investigation. The first involves a threatening comment left on an Instagram reel posted by Randhawa’s son, Uday. Authorities are working with Instagram to trace the origin of the account, but no direct link to Bhagwanpuria has been confirmed. The second incident involves a single gunshot fired at a local shop in Fatehgarh Churian. Though initially alarming, police stated that there is no clear connection between the shooting and Randhawa’s son.
Given the uncertainty and heightened concerns, security around the MP’s residence has been tightened. Randhawa’s son has also been advised to remain cautious, with instructions issued to his personal security team to remain on high alert. While the investigation is ongoing, the case has reignited debate over gang activity in Punjab and the political parties’ respective responsibilities in curbing it.
