The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed severe disapproval of the Punjab Police’s handling of interviews conducted with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in custody. This reaction follows a report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which uncovered significant breaches of duty by police officers involved in facilitating these interviews.
Suspensions:
In response to the SIT findings, the Punjab Police has suspended seven officers, including two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), for their roles in arranging interviews with Bishnoi. DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu and DSP Samar Vaneet, along with five other officers of various ranks, have also been suspended. These suspensions underscore the Punjab Police’s commitment to addressing the violations within its ranks.
Interview Controversy:
The controversy stems from a televised interview conducted via video conferencing on the night of September 3-4, 2022, while Bishnoi was in police custody in Mohali. Another interview was reportedly conducted when Bishnoi was later incarcerated at Central Jail in Jaipur. The SIT report highlighted lapses in security measures, raising concerns about police oversight and the access to mobile phones by inmates.
Court’s Reaction:
The High Court’s response reflects broader concerns over police accountability, particularly in the handling of high-profile prisoners. The court emphasized the necessity for rigorous security protocols to prevent future incidents, urging the police to uphold standards of integrity.
Government Response:
In light of the SIT report, the Punjab government has taken firm action to reinforce police integrity and accountability. Bishnoi, who is implicated in the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, remains a controversial figure, and the government’s response aims to address the public’s trust in law enforcement practices.
