Punjab Govt dismisses DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu in Lawrence Bishnoi jail interview case
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government has dismissed Gursher Singh Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), for tarnishing the reputation of the police department. The action comes after his alleged role in facilitating a video interview of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi during the latter’s custody at the Central Investigation Agency (CIA), Kharar, in March 2023.
The dismissal orders of Gursher Singh were issued by Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, following the approval of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), the appointing authority for Punjab Police Service cadre officials.
Punjab Government has dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police Gursher Singh Sandhu for "denting the image of the police department" by facilitating a video interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi during his custody at the Central Investigation Agency (CIA), Kharar.
The… pic.twitter.com/2FZ81j4Kr7 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
Dismissal under Article 311 of Constitution
The dismissal was carried out under Article 311 of the Constitution, which allows for the removal, dismissal, or demotion of government officials without a formal inquiry if deemed "not reasonably practicable."
The official order stated, “It is not reasonably practicable to hold an inquiry into the chargesheet issued to Gursher Singh Sandhu, PPS (under suspension), due to the officer’s non-cooperative attitude.”
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT’s findings revealed that Gursher Singh Sandhu, under suspension since October 25, 2024, played a pivotal role in recording Lawrence Bishnoi’s interview during his custody at CIA Kharar.
The SIT also highlighted that Sandhu evaded multiple attempts to receive the chargesheet issued against him. As per the report submitted by the Commandant of the 9th Battalion, Punjab Armed Police (PAP), Amritsar, the chargesheet had to be affixed at the doorstep of Sandhu’s residence to ensure compliance with procedural norms.
The detailed report of these efforts was submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP) on November 8, 2024, along with a memo documenting Sandhu’s evasive behaviour.
The dismissal order stated that Sandhu’s negligence and misconduct during Bishnoi’s custody had severely damaged the Punjab Police’s image. His actions were deemed a gross violation of discipline and conduct rules.
“The state government is satisfied that Gursher Singh Sandhu has severely dented the image of the Punjab Police through his actions. His failure to perform his duties properly constitutes a gross violation of the Punjab Police's discipline and conduct rules,” read the dismissal order.
The Punjab Public Service Commission, in a memo dated December 26, 2024, granted approval for Sandhu’s dismissal under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution.
Additionally, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has initiated an inquiry into allegations of disproportionate assets and disputed property dealings against Sandhu. The bureau is also investigating the roles of six other officers suspended alongside him.
- With inputs from agencies
