High Court expresses dissatisfaction with the SIT investigation into Lawrence Bishnoi's custodial interview. The court warned of a CBI investigation and sought an affidavit from the DGP on crime figures.
Lawrence Bishnoi interview case: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the SIT investigation into gangster Lawrence Bishnoi giving an interview while in custody. The court stated that if the investigation is not impartial and effective, the case will be handed over to the CBI. The court has ordered the inclusion of IPS officer Dhruv Dahiya in the SIT and has also raised questions about the role of top Punjab Police officials. The court expressed concern over the rising crime in Punjab and directed the DGP to file an affidavit.
Lawrence Bishnoi's Interview
The interview given to the media by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while in custody has become a major issue. This interview not only went viral on social media but also raised serious questions about the police's functioning and security apparatus.
Now, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has also expressed displeasure with the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating this case. The court says that the role of any senior officer has not yet come to light, whereas this entire matter was not possible without upper-level approval.
High Court's Dissatisfaction with SIT Investigation
The court has clearly stated that if the SIT fails to conduct an impartial and effective investigation, the case will be handed over to the CBI. The court said that keeping a dangerous criminal like Lawrence in the CIA police station for a long time in a minor case indicates that the approval of a senior officer was behind it.
The court said that the name of any high-ranking officer has not come up so far, and it seems that only a DSP-level officer has been made a scapegoat. This clearly shows that an attempt is being made to suppress the case.
IPS Officer Dhruv Dahiya Included in SIT
The High Court has ordered the inclusion of IPS officer Dhruv Dahiya in the SIT to make the investigation credible. The court took this step to ensure impartiality in the investigation and that it is not limited to junior officers only.
Court Asked Sharp Questions
As soon as the hearing started, the court directly questioned the SIT, headed by Prabodh Kumar, as to why and under whose orders Lawrence was kept in the CIA police station for so long. The court said that such proceedings are not possible without the permission of senior officers.
The court said that if the SIT feels that they are not able to investigate independently or are under pressure, they can say so, and then the court will hand over the case to another agency.
Questions on Punjab Government's Intentions
The court commented that the SIT formed by the Punjab government and the statement that the interview did not take place in Punjab was just a cover-up process. This seems to be an attempt to protect the senior officers. The court said that this serious matter cannot be limited to just a DSP. If the interview took place in Punjab and was then denied, it could be a strategy of misleading.
Concern Expressed Over Rising Crime in Punjab
The High Court also expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of crime in Punjab. The court believes that after Lawrence's interview, the morale of criminals has increased, which has led to an increase in cases of extortion, threats, and murder.
In this regard, the court has ordered the DGP of Punjab to present information on cases of extortion, threats, and murder registered in Punjab between January 2024 and July 15, 2025, in the form of an affidavit at the next hearing.
Order to File Final Report
The court has directed SIT chief Prabodh Kumar to file the final report of the investigation within a month. The court also clarified that junior officers should not be made scapegoats, but the real culprits should be identified and action taken against them.
