During the hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday in the case of two interviews of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi broadcast from jail, the Punjab government has given an undertaking that action will be taken against the police officers responsible for conducting the interview by September 24. Justice Anupindra Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerjee said that it is expected that disciplinary action against the officers who helped in the interview of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi will be taken not only against lower level police officers, but also against higher officials who had supervisory jurisdiction over the lockup where Bishnoi was allegedly kept during one of his interviews. This also includes the then SSP Mohali, who was the district police chief at the time of the interview.
The court ordered the DGP to take action against the police officers responsible for conducting the interview and submit a report by September 24, on which the Advocate General of Punjab has assured the High Court of action. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the High Court had revealed that the first interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was taken when he was at the CIA complex in Kharar, Punjab and the second interview was held in Jaipur jail. The Advocate General of Punjab assured the court that disciplinary action will be initiated against the officers in charge of the CIA staff as well as the supervisory officers as per the law. The next hearing in the case will now be on September 24.
Lawrence is threatening businessmen for extortion from jail, it is necessary to stop him
The court said that cases of extortion and threats from businessmen by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is in jail, are constantly coming to light, which is a big example of the jail administration’s performance and security lapse, which needs to be stopped. Justice Anupindra Singh said that access to mobile phones in jails is not possible without the connivance of the jail staff, therefore it is very important to install body scanners and jammers in jails and these are also the guidelines of the Supreme Court, which must be implemented.
Jaipur interview will be investigated as soon as the documents are received: AG Rajasthan
Following the High Court’s direction, during the hearing on Thursday, the Advocate General of Rajasthan appeared through video conferencing and said that as soon as he receives the necessary documents, appropriate action will be taken in the case. After this, the court directed to transfer the FIR related to the interview held in Jaipur Central Jail to Rajasthan along with the necessary documents.
Install security equipment in jails within the stipulated time frame
The Bench also asked about its direction issued to the State to enhance the calling facility for the jail inmates as at times the prisoners get desperate to talk to their loved ones and may try to smuggle mobile phones illegally for this reason. In response to the Court’s query, ADGP Jail informed that security related works in the jails have been ordered and the entire process will be tested and will be fully operational by December, 2024. He also submitted that approval from the Government of India will be required, which will take some time. The Court made it clear that the Court’s orders should be implemented within the time limit prescribed by the Government and all security equipment should be installed in the jails after which the Court will take appropriate action without giving any more time.
Report: Moni Devi
