Chandigarh, October 26, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a significant action by the Punjab Home Affairs Department, seven Punjab Police officers, including two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) — Gursher Sandhu and Sammar Vaneet — have been suspended following an investigation into an interview granted to notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in police custody. The suspension order follows directives from the Governor of Punjab, based on findings from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report.
Background of the Suspension and SIT Findings
The SIT, led by IPS officer Prabodh Kumar, was formed to investigate the interview incident involving Lawrence Bishnoi, who reportedly communicated with a television channel via video conference on the night of September 3-4, 2022, while in custody at the CIA unit in Kharar. The SIT report cited significant lapses by police officers, who were responsible for preventing any unauthorized communication from a high-security detainee.
The officers suspended include:
– DSP Gursher Sandhu, previously DSP (Investigations) in SAS Nagar, now with the 9th PAP in Amritsar.
– DSP Sammar Vaneet, currently with the Economic Offences Wing in SAS Nagar.
– Sub Inspector Reena, serving with the CIA in Kharar.
– Sub Inspectors Jagatpal Jangu and Shaganjit Singh from the Anti-Gangster Task Force.
– ASI Mukhtiar Singh, then Duty Officer at CIA Kharar.
– Head Constable Om Parkash, the then Night MHC at CIA Kharar.
The SIT report pointed to negligence and a failure to prevent unauthorized access, which allowed Bishnoi to participate in the interview. Section 46 of The Prisons Act, 1894, later amended under the Punjab Prisons Act, 2011, was among the regulations cited in the report, emphasizing the security breach.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Custodial Interview: A Major Breach
The interview with Lawrence Bishnoi from police custody sparked significant concerns about Punjab Police’s custodial practices, as Bishnoi is known to be a high-profile detainee with extensive criminal links. His alleged access to media while in custody not only violated procedural norms but also raised questions about possible collusion or negligence among officers. The breach has put a spotlight on the Punjab Police’s handling of high-risk detainees and led to immediate corrective actions in the form of suspensions.
NIA’s Rs 10 Lakh Reward for Anmol Bishnoi’s Capture
In a parallel development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi. Anmol is wanted in connection with two NIA cases registered in 2022 and is also implicated in a recent shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence. Considered a significant figure in organized crime networks, Anmol Bishnoi’s arrest could provide critical insights into broader criminal operations.
The NIA has appealed to the public for any information on Anmol Bishnoi’s whereabouts, urging citizens to aid in the fight against organized crime. The agency has underscored the importance of capturing Anmol, whose links to high-profile criminal activities have made him a priority target.
Impact on Law Enforcement and Public Reactions
The suspensions and the NIA’s bounty highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime and maintaining security protocols. The Punjab Police’s swift action against the implicated officers is seen as a move to restore public confidence and reinforce accountability within the force. Meanwhile, the public reward for Anmol Bishnoi’s arrest signals an intensified crackdown on organized crime in the region, with authorities aiming to dismantle networks connected to high-profile gangsters.
The suspension of seven police officers and the NIA’s efforts to apprehend Anmol Bishnoi reflect a coordinated approach to addressing law enforcement lapses and pursuing justice in organized crime cases. As the investigation into custodial protocols continues, the Punjab Police and NIA are urging public cooperation to aid in the capture of those linked to organized crime activities.
