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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Punjab government for its failure to address a serious breach of security that allowed notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to conduct an interview from within a prison setting. The court's ruling, issued on Monday, underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications of allowing a convicted criminal to broadcast messages from behind bars, potentially influencing impressionable minds.
The court's concern stems from a September 2022 interview given by Bishnoi to a private channel while he was purportedly incarcerated. This interview, which was widely disseminated, raised significant alarm bells due to the implications of providing a platform for a criminal to project his persona and potentially incite violence. The interview garnered over 12 million views, raising the specter of its impact on vulnerable audiences.
The court, in its order, highlighted that the interview was an “apparent jail security breach” and that the extended time taken by the police to submit a report – over eight months – was unacceptable. The court also pointed to the involvement of high-ranking officers in facilitating the interview, suggesting a possible criminal conspiracy between the police and Bishnoi. The court has directed a fresh investigation into the matter by a three-member team led by the Human Rights Commission chief.
The court’s decision to order a fresh investigation reflects the seriousness of the situation. The Punjab government's failure to adequately address the security breach, coupled with the apparent involvement of senior officers, has eroded public trust and raised serious questions about the state’s ability to maintain law and order. The court has underlined the potential consequences of allowing criminals to exploit the system for their own gain, particularly when it comes to promoting violence and criminal activities.
The case of Lawrence Bishnoi is not an isolated incident. There have been several instances in India where criminals have managed to conduct interviews and broadcasts from jail, blurring the lines between law enforcement and the criminal underworld. This trend poses a serious threat to the justice system and public safety, as it provides criminals with a platform to project their image and potentially influence public opinion.
Source: "Glorification Of Crime": High Court Slams Punjab For Lawrence Bishnoi Jail Interview