SNE NETWORK.CHANDIGARH.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised questions on the appointment and extension of service of a Punjab Police officer in Kharar CIA Staff, where the controversial interview of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was taken. The court has asked the Punjab government why retired officer Inspector Shiv Kumar was given extension in service and kept in the same post where such activities were taking place.
Court-appointed amicus curiae advocate Tanu Bedi has expressed deep concern over the matter. He informed the court that Bishnoi was kept in CIA Staff, Kharar for a long time and was kept there by repeatedly taking remand. On this, the court questioned whether he was deliberately kept there due to external pressure or his presence was really necessary for the investigation.
Questions on posting even after retirement
The bench of Justice Anupindra Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerjee raised serious questions as to why Inspector Shiv Kumar, who had retired in the year 2023, was given an extension of service and kept posted on the same post till January 2024. The court said that this is a serious matter and the state government will have to give a clear answer on why Inspector Shiv was kept in CIA Staff Kharar even after retirement.
The matter heated up after the revelations in the SIT investigation
The issue came to the fore when the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the court revealed in its report that the first interview of Lawrence Bishnoi was done at CIA Staff Kharar, from where the glorification of crime and criminals took place. After this the second interview was done in Jaipur Central Jail.
Orders to Punjab Government to file affidavit
Advocate General (AG) Punjab told the court that District S.A.S. Show cause notices have been issued to four officials, including the then SSP of the city, who may face disciplinary action. Also, a report was also given on the progress of facilities like jammers, AI based CCTV cameras, body worn cameras, X-ray baggage scanners and jail prisoner calling system for security in the jail.
Action will also be taken against Rajasthan Police
The court has fixed October 15 as the date for the next hearing of the case and directed the state government to file a reply. The court also asked whether the officers to whom the show cause notices have been issued are currently posted on public posts. The AG of the Rajasthan government had told in the last hearing that Lawrence Bishnoi’s second interview was held in Jaipur’s Central Jail, and now action will be taken by the Rajasthan Police in this matter. He said that a zero FIR has been registered and sent to the Jaipur Police and now the Rajasthan Police will take further action.