The Punjab and Haryana High Court has criticized Punjab Police officers for allegedly facilitating gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s access to a senior officer’s office, which he reportedly used as a studio for a televised interview. Bishnoi, who is a suspect in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, conducted an interview that aired on a news channel in March 2023, where he openly discussed his knowledge of the murder plot.
A division bench, led by Justices Anupinder Singh Grewal and Lapita Banerji, ordered the formation of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe possible collusion between police officers and Bishnoi. This move came after Special DGP Prabodh Kumar, who initially headed the SIT, admitted that his team lacked the authority to investigate additional potential offences related to the Prevention of Corruption Act and other charges.
The court condemned the actions of the police officers, stating they “allowed the criminal to use electronic devices and provided a studio-like facility to conduct the interview,” which, it argued, glorified crime and potentially enabled further criminal activities, including extortion. Evidence showed that the interview was conducted on official CIA office premises in Kharar, using the police station’s Wi-Fi, and that official records were allegedly forged to cover up the incident.
The court emphasized the need for a deeper probe, particularly into any illegal incentives officers may have received to allow the interview and any related offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The High Court’s order highlights a serious concern regarding possible police corruption and misconduct, especially given the potential impact of Bishnoi’s televised statements on public perception and criminal activities.
