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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has exposed a disturbing incident of police misconduct in Punjab. It was revealed that police officers facilitated a televised interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from within a police station, transforming it into a makeshift 'studio' for the interview. This incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and potential corruption, prompting the court to order a fresh investigation into the matter.
The revelation came to light during a suo motu hearing initiated by the court to investigate the use of mobile phones by inmates within jail premises. The bench, comprising Justices Anupinder Singh Grewal and Lapita Banerji, expressed grave concern over the police's actions, stating that allowing a criminal like Bishnoi to utilize an electronic device and providing him with a studio-like facility to conduct an interview could glorify crime. This, they argued, could potentially facilitate further criminal activities, including extortion, by the criminal and his associates.
The court's concerns went beyond the mere facilitation of the interview. They pointed out that the involvement of senior police officers in this arrangement suggested the possibility of illegal payments from Bishnoi or his associates, potentially constituting offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In light of these serious allegations, the court ordered a fresh investigation into the matter.
The incident stems from a televised interview with Bishnoi, a suspect in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, that aired in March 2023. During the interview, Bishnoi claimed to have prior knowledge of the murder plot. The interview was conducted at the CIA Staff Kharar police station in Punjab, with the active participation of senior police officers. The police station's facilities and official Wi-Fi were used, and even the office of the Officer Incharge of the Police Station was converted into a studio for the interview.
The court's order for a new investigation highlights the severity of the alleged misconduct. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) initially formed to investigate the incident had filed a cancellation report. However, the court deemed the SIT inadequate for this purpose, as it lacked the authority to investigate offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Consequently, the court ordered the formation of a new SIT, led by Prabodh Kumar, Special DGP of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, and including ADGPs Nageshwar Rao and Nilabh Kishore. This new SIT has been tasked with investigating various charges, including criminal conspiracy, abetment, forgery, violations of the Information Technology Act, and offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The court also noted that seven Punjab police officers, including two gazetted officers, have been suspended, with departmental proceedings initiated against eight officers in total. This disciplinary action, however, was not deemed sufficient by the court. They emphasized the need to hold senior officers accountable for their role in facilitating the interview, expressing concern that the disciplinary action might unfairly target lower-level officers.
The court further ordered the DGP to file an affidavit clarifying discrepancies in statements made regarding the location of the interview. This order reflects the court's dissatisfaction with the authorities' initial response to the incident and suggests their belief that complicity among police personnel may have been involved.
The court's intervention highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged police misconduct. The incident has raised serious questions about the integrity of the Punjab Police and the potential for corruption within the force. The outcome of the new SIT's investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the misconduct and ensuring accountability for those involved.
Source: Lawrence Bishnoi interviewed in police station ‘studio,’ HC orders fresh investigation