High Court reprimands Punjab government over Lawrence interview case, questions inaction against former SSP

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday criticized the Punjab government for its handling of the Lawrence Bishnoi interview case. During the hearing, the court questioned why no action had been taken against the then Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) involved in the matter.

The court drew a comparison with jail protocols, noting that jail wardens are suspended when crimes occur within prison walls. It questioned the lack of accountability for senior officials in this case. Additionally, the court asked how the Punjab Police first became aware of the gangster’s interview.

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for December 10.

Lawrence Bishnoi’s controversial interview, broadcast on March 14, 2023, included a confession to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Bishnoi alleged that Moosewala had shifted from singing to involvement in a gang war and was complicit in the murder of his college friend, Akali leader Vicky Middukhera. According to an SIT report, the interview was conducted while Bishnoi was in CIA custody.