The Punjab Police has acted big after a grim interview with a dreaded criminal, Lawrence Bishnoi from Jail. Seven officers, two of them deputy superintendents, have been suspended for the failure to prevent the interview. This decision stems from observations made by a Special investigation team (SIT) formed under the direction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Details of the Suspension
The suspended officers are Deputy Superintendents Gursher Singh and Sammer Vaneet, sub-inspectors and a head constable. The suspension was made official by state home secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. The fact-finding exercise showed that Bishnoi was right when he claimed that his interview was carried out virtually while in custody in Jaipur Central Jail when in fact he was detained at Kharar CIA in September 2022.
Key Officers Suspended
- Gursher Singh – Deputy Superintendent
- Sammer Vaneet – Deputy Superintendent
- Reena – Sub-Inspector, CIA Kharar
- Jagatpal Jangu – Sub-Inspector, AGTF
- Shaganjit Singh – Sub-Inspector (then duty officer)
- Om Parkash – Head Constable
The investigation has raised serious questions about the protocols followed by the Punjab Police and their ability to manage high-profile inmates.
Implications of the Interview
It is not surprising to know that Lawrence Bishnoi’s interview had emerged much prominence in the media especially due to his past criminality and affiliation with criminals. The interview also lays questions in prison security In addition, It draws ethical questions in relation to media and the work of police force. Introducing the respondents can shift the general public’s opinion and the interviews may pose a threat to specific investigations.
Legal Developments
Bishnoi was given relief on Friday in a 13-year-old case that accused him of assaulting a student in Mohali. This case alongside the recent interview incident proves that it is not easy to win a legal case in India particularly if one is a criminal.
Legal Context:
- Bishnoi’s Background: Known for his involvement in organized crime and connections to various criminal activities.
- Ongoing Cases: The complexities of his legal situations, including past and present cases, contribute to a broader discussion on the judicial system’s handling of notorious figures.
Conclusion
The fact that seven Punjab Police officers have been suspended as they mistakenly released Lawrence Bishnoi who was a high profile criminal shows how costly any lapse could be in managing high profile prisoners. Not only this incident cause questions the work of police but also the fact strengthens the need for extra precautions to avoid similar events in the future. However, on the subject, it is still unclear to what extent all these developments will affect current investigations and trials related to Bishnoi and his confederates.
