The Punjab and Haryana High Court reprimanded the Punjab Government for its lackadaisical approach to the ongoing Lawrence Bishnoi interview case. Deeming the matter serious, the court demanded a thorough investigation and asked why an SIT or committee shouldn’t be formed to probe the matter further.
The court sought names of SP-ranked or higher officials from the Punjab government for the investigation. Stressing the capability of certain officers in the Punjab Police, the court emphasized they should hold a rank no lower than SP. Assisting the court, Advocate Tanu Bedi raised concerns about the SIT’s investigation into Lawrence Bishnoi’s jail interview. She highlighted flaws in the investigation and suggested it could have been handled more effectively. It seems unlikely that such an interview could occur without collusion from the jail administration.
Tanu Bedi questioned both the previous and current interviews. Noting a press conference held by the DGP after the first interview, she pointed out discrepancies in attire and hairstyle in the subsequent interview. Moreover, Lawrence’s statements during the interview hint it took place between March 6-7, something easily verifiable. In the previous hearing, the Punjab government had requested the filing of an FIR.
The SIT suspects both interviews were conducted on March 14-17. The Bathinda prison was not feasible for Bishnoi’s interview due to jammers installed in every corner.
The First Interview Aired on March 14
Gangster Lawrence’s initial interview was aired on a private channel on March 14, leading to criticism of the AAP government. On March 15, CM Bhagwant Mann shuffled ministers in various departments. Following the Goindwala Jail incidents and Lawrence Part 1, CM Bhagwant Mann took charge of the Jail Department from Minister Harjot Bains.Punjab’s DGP mentioned after the first interview that Lawrence’s interview did not take place in Punjab. On March 16, DGP Gaurav Yadav held a press conference to clarify matters regarding Interview Part 1. Post Interview Part 2, Punjab Police and the Jail Department faced renewed scrutiny.
