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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Man killed in flat ceiling plaster crash, wife and son hurt
Thane (PTI): A 45-year-old man was killed, and his wife and son were injured when a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed in their flat in a seven-storey building in Thane on Saturday, officials said.
Chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell, Yasin Tadvi, said the 16-year-old building is not listed in the "dangerous" category.
"The incident occurred in Karumdev Society at about 3 am. The plaster of the hall in a flat on the terrace floor suddenly fell while the occupants were asleep", he said.
Of the four people who were inside the room, two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary treatment, Tadvi stated.
The injured persons were identified as Arpita More (42), who suffered minor head injuries, and her son Arush More (16), who sustained injuries to both legs.
Manoj More (45), who sustained chest injuries, died during treatment at a private hospital.
