Police officers withdraw consent for polygraph test in Lawrence interview case

Chandigarh: Three years after a TV interview of gangster Lawrence from police custody sparked controversy, a new twist has emerged in the case. Six police personnel, who had earlier agreed to undergo a polygraph test, have now withdrawn their consent. The accused filed an application in the Mohali district court, alleging they were pressured into agreeing to the test.

Following the application, the court has put a stay on the polygraph tests. The matter is scheduled for hearing again today, during which the police officers are expected to appear and submit related records before the court.

The case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Punjab and Haryana authorities. The court has indicated it does not intend to allow any leniency in the proceedings.

Advocate Sultan Singh Sangha, representing five of the policemen, filed a revision petition in the court of the Additional District Judge (ADJ). He argued that his clients gave consent for the polygraph test under pressure from senior officers.

Earlier, on April 5, a notice was issued for the officers to appear before the SIT at the court premises. At that time, an ADGP-rank officer was present in court, allegedly creating pressure on the policemen to agree to the test. It was also claimed that no lawyer was present on behalf of the police personnel when their consent was recorded.