The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a fresh investigation into a controversial jail interview given by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in 2023. The court’s decision stems from serious concerns raised by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, which suggests a possible criminal nexus between police officials and Bishnoi.
The court highlighted several alarming aspects of the interview, including the provision of a studio-like setting and the use of electronic devices by Bishnoi while in custody at Bathinda jail. These actions, the court argued, could be interpreted as glorifying crime and facilitating further criminal activities like extortion.
The court’s observations further suggested potential corruption within the police force, stating that the involvement of police officials might indicate the receipt of illegal gratification from Bishnoi or his associates. These allegations potentially constitute offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, demanding a thorough investigation.
The court expressed its bewilderment over the Punjab Director General of Police’s (DGP) initial claim that no interview took place within Punjab jails. Furthermore, the court questioned the lack of charges against officers involved under Section 120-B of the Criminal Conspiracy Act.
The SIT, while acknowledging one interview conducted in Mohali’s Kharar jail and another in Rajasthan, revealed a discrepancy in the official narrative.
The high court also criticized the Punjab government’s response to the situation, noting that only two of the suspended officers were high-ranking. The court questioned the suspension of lower-ranking personnel while potentially overlooking the roles of more influential officers.
The court has specifically raised concerns about the actions of Shiv Kumar, a former in-charge of a Punjab Police investigating agency. Bishnoi’s repeated transfers to the agency’s facility in Kharar for remand and interrogation have prompted the court to request additional affidavits from the Punjab government.
The high court emphasized its stance that lower-level officers should not be made scapegoats, suggesting a deeper investigation into the alleged criminal nexus and potential involvement of higher-ranking officials. The court’s directive for a fresh probe signifies the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a transparent investigation to uncover the truth and address the potential for corruption within the Punjab Police.
