HC reprimands Punjab Government over Lawrence Bishnoi's jail interview; senior cops under scrutiny
PTC Web Desk: In the Lawrence Bishnoi's controversial interview case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a strong reprimand to the Punjab Government during a hearing on Monday. The Advocate General represented Punjab, where the court sharply criticised the handling of the case. It questioned why no action had been taken against senior officials, including such Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the Superintendent of Police (SP). The court stated, "Could junior officers alone have arranged Lawrence's interview?"
The Punjab and Haryana High Court sternly instructed the Advocate General not to scapegoat junior officials in this matter. In response, the AG claimed that the SSP was unaware of the interview. The court countered by asking how it was possible for the SSP to be unaware of Lawrence Bishnoi's movements, especially given his high-profile status and security entourage.
The court further ordered that departmental action be initiated against senior officials as well, warning that it may need to intervene if the government fails to act. The court reiterated that from the outset, it had stressed that the accountability should not fall solely on junior officials. Despite this, the government had taken action only against lower-ranking officials. The court demanded an explanation as to why no action had been taken against the SSP, despite its prior instructions.
The High Court has now directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit an affidavit, clarifying why Lawrence Bishnoi was repeatedly brought to Punjab and why the interview did not take place in a Punjab jail, as was previously suggested by the authorities. The court noted that it has become clear the interview was conducted with the involvement of police officials.
The court expressed harsh criticism regarding the treatment of Lawrence Bishnoi during his custody, stating that he appeared to be receiving VIP treatment rather than being detained. It pointed out that Bishnoi was freely giving interviews, using mobile phones, and enjoying privileges that are far from standard custody conditions. The court remarked that Bishnoi was being treated more like a state guest than a prisoner.
Although the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has determined the location of the interview, the court highlighted the more significant issue: why the interview was allowed to take place and what its purpose was. The High Court suggested that an impartial investigative agency may need to be appointed to look into the matter.
The Punjab Government proposed that its SIT could first conduct an internal investigation. The court then addressed DGP Prabodh Kumar, asking why the investigation should not be assigned to him. The court also noted that while the mobile phone used for the interview has not yet been traced, it is clear that Bishnoi was provided with studio-like facilities during his custody.
- PTC NEWS
