Punjab & Haryana HC orders further probe into Lawrence Bishnoi interview inside police station
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed a fresh investigation into the circumstances under which gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was provided with a studio-like setting at CIA Staff Kharar police station for an interview aired on ABP News. The suo motu proceedings arose from concerns about inmates’ access to electronic devices and the possibility of glorifying crime through such media appearances.
A Bench comprising Justices Anupinder Singh Grewal and Lapita Banerji expressed serious concerns over senior Punjab police officers allegedly allowing Bishnoi, a suspect in singer Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, to use official facilities for the interview, conducted in March 2023. The Court noted that the interview might have been staged as part of a conspiracy involving police personnel, with possible violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Court criticised the SIT's decision to file a cancellation report and ordered the formation of a new team led by Prabodh Kumar, Special DGP of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission. This team will investigate potential criminal conspiracy, abetment, forgery, and other offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Information Technology Act. The SIT must report back within six weeks.
The Court also highlighted irregularities, including the provision of Wi-Fi at the CIA premises for the interview and the apparent forging of official records, suggesting a cover-up or external influence. It questioned why senior officials had not been held accountable, emphasising that action against higher-ranking officers was necessary.
The DGP has been ordered to submit an affidavit addressing the interview's location and detailing why Bishnoi remained at CIA Staff Kharar for an extended period. Additionally, any online reposts of the interview must be removed immediately.
Advocate Tanu Bedi serves as Amicus Curiae, with representation from various state and Union government counsels in the matter.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
