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The Punjab Police has taken decisive action against seven officers, including two of deputy superintendent rank, following an investigation into interviews conducted with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in police custody. This decision comes as a result of 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 – one while he was under the custody of the Punjab Police in Kharar, Mohali, and the other while he was incarcerated in a jail in Rajasthan. This discovery sparked a swift response from the Punjab Home Secretary, who issued an order on Friday, suspending 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 of these officers was due to the sensitivity of the case. The SIT's report highlighted that Bishnoi's interview was conducted via video conference during the night of September 3 and 4, 2022. This revelation followed the earlier broadcast of two interviews with Bishnoi by a private news channel in March. The first interview was conducted from the premises of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff in Kharar, while the second originated from the Central Jail in Jaipur. These interviews have raised concerns about the security protocols in place for individuals in police custody and the potential for unauthorized communication.
The gravity of the situation is further amplified by Bishnoi's involvement in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, which occurred in 2022. This case has sparked widespread public outcry and underscores the critical need for thorough investigations and strict adherence to protocols in police custody. The suspension of the officers involved signifies a serious commitment from the Punjab Police to uphold accountability and transparency in their operations.
Source: Lawrence Bishnoi interview row: 7 Punjab Police personnel suspended