Lawrence Bishnoi’s first interview conducted in Kharar CIA custody, second in Rajasthan: SIT report

A status report filed by the SIT, led by Prabodh Kumar, Special Director General of Police, PSHRC-cum-Head of the SIT, detailed the progress made in pinpointing Bishnoi’s locations during the interviews. The bench noted, “It is disquieting to note that in the first interview conducted on the night of September 3-4, 2022, the interviewee was in the premises of CIA, Kharar, while giving the second interview, the interviewee was in the State of Rajasthan.”

The bench expressed concern over a previous report by a two-member committee appointed by the State Government, which had stated that it was “highly improbable” the interview was conducted either in jail or in police custody in Punjab. “It had taken almost eight months to arrive at that inconclusive finding. If it was an attempt to hoodwink the Court or misdirect the proceedings of the Court, it would be a serious matter and would be considered at an appropriate stage,” the bench remarked.

The High Court reiterated the importance of ensuring the investigation is thorough and unbiased, noting, “The Punjab Police is one of the best police forces in the country but it needs to be insulated from extraneous influence. The black sheep has to be identified and brought to book at the earliest.” The court also asked the Chief Secretary of Punjab to provide all necessary assistance to the SIT.

The bench highlighted the potential impact of the interview, which had nearly 12 million views on YouTube, noting it could have adversely influenced impressionable minds. The Punjab Police informed the court about the FIRs related to the interviews and stated that “all the 105 URL links containing objectionable content have been blocked from the concerned platform.”

Addressing the potential increase in crime following the interview broadcast, the High Court directed the Director General of Police, Punjab, “to file an affidavit detailing the number and nature of criminal cases, especially those related to extortion, threatening calls, ransom demands, abductions, and witness intimidation in Punjab from March 2023 to December 2023, and nine months prior to the interview broadcast.”

On Wednesday, Prabodh Kumar also sought further directions for action regarding the second FIR, as Bishnoi was in Rajasthan during the interview. Amicus Curiae Advocate Tanu Bedi submitted that she would be filing an application to implead the State of Rajasthan through its Home Secretary.

In addition to the interview issue, the High Court recorded an affidavit by the State of Punjab, filed by the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, detailing progress in augmenting jail security, including installing jammers, CCTV cameras, X-ray body scanners, and increasing manpower.