Taking strong note of the viral video allegedly showing Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundia threatening a businessman associated with “Zaildar Innovation” in Mukerian, the Bharatiya Janata Party has announced that it will take up the matter with the Governor. Presenting the victim businessman, Malkit Singh, before the media at the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said the issue would be raised with the Governor of Punjab.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Mukerian Jangi Lal Mahajan, who was also present at the press conference, demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter and called for ensuring the safety of the victim’s family. Ravneet Singh Bittu stated that what Laljit Bhullar allegedly did in Amritsar is now being repeated by Hardeep Singh Mundia in Mukerian.
The only difference, he said, is that while DM Gagandeep Randhawa had died by suicide after being harassed, Malkit Singh has chosen to fight back. He added that the BJP and others raising their voice against the government stand firmly with the businessman’s family.
He further alleged that while the government claims to attract external investment, it is simultaneously intimidating local entrepreneurs—those who build businesses and create jobs in Punjab—and extorting money from them. He claimed that this “loot” is being routed to Delhi.
Allegations by the businessman:
Malkit Singh said he is a resident of Hardeep Mundia’s native village, Hayatpur Kotli, and runs a business manufacturing specialized trolleys. He alleged that about a year ago, Mundia got a trolley worth ₹6.5 lakh made but did not pay for it.
When he demanded payment, the minister instead pressured him to give a share in his business. He further claimed that under Mundia’s pressure, notices have been issued against him by the Pollution Control Board and other departments in an attempt to shut down his business.
He said his family’s life and property are under threat, alleging that gangster-linked threats are being made against them. His brother has already been attacked, and despite filing a case, the police have not taken any action.
The victim businessman added that the situation has become so severe that he is unable to send his children to school and fears stepping out in public himself. Overcome with emotion, he broke down during the press conference.