The Punjab and Haryana High Court has strongly condemned the Punjab Police over the jail interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The court pointed out that the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) cancellation report raises suspicion of collusion between the police and the gangster. It has ordered a fresh investigation into the private channel's interview given during Bishnoi's time in Bathinda jail in 2023.
During the hearing, the court stated, 'The police allowed the criminal to use electronic devices and provided studio-like facilities for the interview, which glorifies crime. This could potentially encourage other criminal activities such as extortion committed by the criminal and his associates.'
Rebuke to Punjab Government
The court also criticized the government led by Punjab's CM Bhagwant Mann. It noted that lower-level officials are being scapegoated. The bench, comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Lapita Banerjee, highlighted that out of the suspended officers, only two were gazetted officers, while the others were junior employees.
Mention of Bribery Indications
During the hearing, the bench remarked, 'There are hints of illegal bribery through the collusion of police officers with the criminal or his associates. This constitutes a crime under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Hence, further investigation is warranted.'
Seven Police Personnel Suspended
In recent developments, the Punjab Police suspended seven officers, including two deputy superintendent-ranked officials, in connection with this case. However, the court expressed concern over the role of former CIA in-charge Shiv Kumar, who was dismissed but remained on extension. The court questioned the repeated transfers of Bishnoi to the CIA in Kharar for remand and interrogation and instructed the state to file additional affidavits.
Displeasure Over Missing Affidavits
The court stated that the previous order clearly mentioned that lower-level officials should not be made scapegoats. Additionally, the court questioned the absence of affidavits from senior officers regarding Bishnoi's interview within Punjab jail facilities.
One Interview in Punjab, Another in Rajasthan
The court questioned why the DGP stated that no interview took place in Punjab's jail and why the officials involved were not charged under the Criminal Conspiracy Act Section 120-B. The SIT, led by the Special Director General of Police (Human Rights), admitted that one of Bishnoi's interviews occurred during custody in Kharar, Mohali, while another took place in Rajasthan. Following these findings, seven police personnel were suspended.
