Lawrence Bishnoi interview from jail: SIT seeks 3 months’ time to probe one of 2 FIRs

The Punjab Police was directed by the high court to register two FIRs in connection with the gangster’s two interviews aired by a private news channel in March 2023. The SIT also comprises Dr S Rahul, IPS, and Nilambari Vijay Jagadale, DIG, Cyber Crime.

During the resumed hearing on Wednesday, counsel for Punjab filed status reports – in the form of an affidavit by Prabodh Kumar – stating that in pursuance of the two FIRs registered at the Punjab state crime police station, Mohali, the investigation is in progress, and two status reports dated June 5, 2024, and July 9, 2024, have been filed in sealed covers.

The DG (Prabodh Kumar), who appeared through video-conferencing, submitted that substantial progress has been made in the investigation pertaining to the two FIRs. He further prayed for three months’ time to complete the investigation pertaining to FIR No.1 dated January 5, 2024. He also submitted that with regard to FIR No. 2 dated January 6, 2024, there is a legal impediment regarding the territorial jurisdiction.

The state counsel upon instructions from Surinder Singh, DIG Prisons, Punjab, submitted that significant progress has been made in augmenting the jail security and the process for installing jammers has been initiated. He prayed for time to file the status report. The high court ordered the matter to be listed on August 7, 2024.