A startling incident involving a custodial TV interview with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has prompted the Punjab and Haryana High Court to mandate a thorough investigation. The Court has directed the Punjab government to appoint a retired judge, Justice Rajiv Narain Raina, to examine how police officers allegedly facilitated the interview.
The televised conversation aired in March 2023 while Bishnoi, a suspect in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, was in police custody. The interview reportedly occurred within the CIA Staff Kharar premises, with police officials granting access to studio-like amenities.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the Court described the situation as a possible criminal conspiracy. “The use of official Wi-Fi and the forging of official records demand an investigation into potential corruption and other offences,” it stated.
The controversy deepened when the Court rejected the affidavit of the Director General of Police (DGP), who claimed the interview did not occur in any Punjab jail. Evidence revealed Bishnoi spent months under police control at CIA Staff Kharar, contrasting sharply with his short time in judicial custody.
The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case, noting the dismissal of a Deputy Superintendent of Police but calling for further accountability. Justice Raina’s inquiry is expected to uncover the motives and mechanisms behind the incident, with the government instructed to provide security and resources for the probe.
This scandal has spotlighted systemic lapses, raising questions about the role of law enforcement in enabling such breaches. The High Court’s intervention aims to ensure a comprehensive examination of this troubling episode.
