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Bishnoi interview and Punjab police: SIT seeks three months to complete probe

The High Court had earlier found that police officers facilitated Bishnoi’s use of electronic devices and provided a studio-like setup for the interview.

Lawrence Bishnoi

The Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed on Tuesday about progress in the investigation into the controversial TV interview of criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, allegedly conducted from jail with the connivance of police officers. The case had prompted the court to order the formation of a fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Prabodh Kumar, Special Director General of Police, Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), and head of the SIT, submitted a status report in a sealed cover along with his affidavit. Kumar informed the court that some progress had been made and that the team had sought information from various state departments. He requested three months to complete the investigation.

The High Court had earlier found that police officers facilitated Bishnoi’s use of electronic devices and provided a studio-like setup for the interview. Observing a nexus between police officers and the criminal, the court directed the formation of a new SIT to investigate the conspiracy, abetment, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Information Technology Act.

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Separately, Satyapal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India, informed the court that the Ministry of Home Affairs had granted approval for the installation of V-Kavach jammers in Punjab jails. He clarified that prior approvals issued on August 23 and September 26, 2024, sufficed, and the state government could proceed with procurement and installation.

The Punjab Government’s counsel sought additional time for the Secretary, Home, to file an affidavit in response to the court’s earlier order. The case will now be heard on December 16, 2024.

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