Punjab government dismisses DSP for enabling gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's interview in custody

Chandigarh: The Punjab government has dismissed DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu for allegedly facilitating the recording of an interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while in police custody. The orders, issued by Secretary, Department of Home Affairs Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, invoked Article 311 of the Constitution, which allows dismissal without a formal inquiry in certain situations.

SIT report details misconduct
A special investigation team (SIT) formed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court found Sandhu, a Punjab Police Service officer, responsible for enabling the recording. The interview, aired in March 2023 by a private news channel, reportedly glorified crime and criminals. The SIT concluded that the interview took place over two years ago when Bishnoi was in custody at the CIA office in Kharar, Mohali.

Connection to high-profile case
Bishnoi, who is implicated in the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, was under investigation when the interview was conducted. In October, seven police officials were suspended in connection with the incident.

Dismissal details and implications
The dismissal order cited Sandhu's non-cooperative attitude during the investigation and his failure to uphold Punjab Police’s discipline and conduct rules. The state government, following approval from the Punjab Public Service Commission, concluded that Sandhu's actions severely tarnished the police force's reputation.

The decision aligns with the government’s assurance to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in November that strict action would be taken against erring officers.

With IANS inputs