Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by News Desk
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) to submit detailed data on criminal cases registered after the broadcast of an interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi last year. The directive comes amid concerns about a possible surge in criminal activities following the interview.
Bishnoi, a suspect in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, is implicated in over 70 cases in Punjab. His interview was aired by ABP News in March 2023, where he claimed knowledge of the murder plot. The Court is currently handling a suo motu case concerning the use of mobile phones within jail premises by inmates.
The Court’s concern heightened after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed that one of Bishnoi’s interviews was conducted in September 2022 while he was in the custody of Punjab Police’s Crime Investigation Agency (CIA). A State-constituted Committee earlier reported that it was highly improbable that the interview took place in jail or police custody in Punjab. The Court, however, expressed skepticism, cautioning that if the State Committee’s report was intended to mislead the Court, it would be a serious issue.
The bench, comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerji, emphasized that the investigation should not be limited to lower-level officials and should ensure accountability at all levels. The Court noted that while the Punjab Police is highly regarded, it must be shielded from external influences, and any wrongdoing within the force must be addressed promptly.
The Court directed the Punjab DGP to file an affidavit detailing the number and nature of criminal cases registered between March 2023 and December 2023, as well as those registered in the nine months preceding the interview’s broadcast. This includes cases related to extortion, ransom demands, abduction, and witness intimidation.
Additionally, the Court instructed the Punjab government to provide an update on measures to enhance jail security, including the installation of jammers, CCTV cameras, X-ray body scanners, and increased manpower. The case will be revisited on September 5.
Advocate Tanu Bedi, serving as amicus curiae, indicated plans to include the State of Rajasthan in the proceedings.
Written by — Athi Venkatesh AVD
