Lawrence Bishnoi jail interview: Punjab and Haryana High Court has strongly criticized Punjab Police regarding the controversial interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi that aired in 2023 while he was held in Bathinda jail. This incident has raised significant concerns about police conduct and alleged corruption within the ranks.Court orders fresh investigation over suspicious police conductThe court noted irregularities in the initial investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), indicating potential collusion and conspiracy between police officials and Bishnoi. The police allowed the criminal access to electronic devices and provided him with a studio-like setup, facilitating an interview that seemed to glorify crime and could aid further criminal activities, including extortion, the court stated.Punjab government under scrutinyThe court did not spare the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, questioning its handling of the issue. Justices Anupinder Singh Grewal and Lapita Banerji pointed out that mostly junior officers were penalized, with only two gazetted officers among the suspended personnel. Our earlier orders specified that lower-level officers should not be scapegoated, the court emphasized.The bench remarked that the apparent involvement of certain officers could indicate illegal financial transactions with Bishnoi or his associates, potentially violating the Prevention of Corruption Act.Suspension of officers and concerns over high-level involvementFollowing this cases exposure, Punjab Police suspended seven officials, including two deputy superintendents. The court also highlighted suspicions surrounding Shiv Kumar, the former CIA in-charge who had retained his position on extension, questioning the reasons behind Bishnois repeated transfers to CIA Kharar for remand.Moreover, the court sought an explanation as to why senior police officials had not provided affidavits regarding the interviews occurrence within Punjabs jail. The court questioned, Why did the DGP assert that no interview occurred within Punjabs jail, and why was Section 120-B of the Criminal Conspiracy Act not invoked against involved officersSIT confirms interviewsThe SIT, led by the Special Director General of Police (Human Rights), revealed that Bishnoi gave one interview while in Mohalis Kharar custody and another in Rajasthan, leading to the suspension of seven officers. This controversy intensified following the killing of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique on October 13, allegedly linked to Bishnois network.
