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The Punjab Police has taken disciplinary action against seven officers, including two of deputy superintendent rank, for conducting interviews with notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in police custody. This decision follows an investigation conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the Special Director General of Police (Human Rights). The SIT's findings revealed that two interviews with Bishnoi took place during his custody, one in Kharar, Mohali under Punjab Police jurisdiction, and the other while he was incarcerated in a jail in Rajasthan.
The Punjab Home Secretary issued an order on Friday, announcing the suspension of the involved officers. These officers include SP Gursher Singh Sandhu, DSP Sammar Vaneet, Sub-Inspector Reena (CIA Kharar), Sub-Inspector Jagatpal Jangu, Sub-Inspector Shaganjit Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mukhtiar Singh, and Head Constable Om Parkash. The order explicitly stated that the suspension was due to the 'sensitivity of the case.'
The SIT's report highlighted that the interview with Bishnoi was conducted via video conference on the night of September 3 and 4, 2022. Prior to this, a private news channel had aired two interviews with Bishnoi, the first from the premises of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff in Kharar, and the second from Central Jail in Jaipur. Bishnoi is a key figure in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, which occurred in 2022, adding further significance to the investigation surrounding these interviews.
The suspension of these officers underscores the seriousness with which the Punjab Police is addressing potential breaches of protocol and security concerns in handling high-profile prisoners. The investigation highlights the importance of stringent guidelines and oversight in conducting interviews with individuals accused of serious crimes, especially those with a history of involvement in organized crime. The case raises questions about the protocols for managing sensitive interviews, potential breaches of confidentiality, and the need for stricter measures to prevent unauthorized contact with individuals in police custody.
Source: Lawrence Bishnoi interview row: 7 Punjab Police personnel suspended