Punjab to dismiss police officer for role in Lawrence Bishnoi interview

In October, the court constituted a fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Prabodh Kumar, Special Director General of Police, along with ADGP Nageshwar Rao and ADGP Nilabh Kishore, to investigate allegations of criminal conspiracy, abetment, forgery, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IT Act in connection with the interviews.

Citing the SIT report, the Punjab government said it had invoked Article 311(2) of the Constitution to dismiss DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu. Departmental action under Rule 10 of the All India Services Rules has also been initiated against senior officers involved, who have since been transferred out of Mohali district. The Advocate General assured the court that names of officials for conducting departmental inquiries would be submitted in a sealed cover on the next hearing date.

DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu

During proceedings, Amicus Curiae Tanu Bedi pointed out that the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, had yet to provide an adequate explanation for repeated police remands granted to Bishnoi, allowing him to stay in the CIA Staff premises in Kharar for five months. The court noted that Bishnoi had spent only two months in Bathinda jail and questioned the DGP’s media statement claiming the interview had not been conducted in any jail.

The bench observed that the affidavit filed by DGP Gaurav Yadav was “unsatisfactory” and directed him to clarify findings regarding Bishnoi’s police custody and the interview’s location. The DGP has been granted four weeks to file a fresh affidavit. The case will be heard again on December 18.

Security upgrades in Punjab jails

ADGP (Prisons) Arun Pal Singh informed the court that 467 machines and 620 stands have been installed across 17 jails to enhance security, and CCTV cameras are being added to seven of 13 sensitive jails. The process will extend to six more jails and is expected to be completed by February 5, 2025.

The court directed the Managing Director of the Punjab Police Housing Corporation to be present at the next hearing to address the implementation of security measures. Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain assured that permissions for jammer installations had been granted and any further requests would be expedited.

The file of DSP Sandhu’s dismissal will be sent to PPSC for confirmation. If PPSC, his appointing authority, does not agree with the orders, it would be sent to the CM through the Chief Secretary. Then CM’s decision will be final word on the issue, an official of the government said.