Hearing of Gangster Lawrence Interview Case in Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The TV interview case of gangster Lawrence in the custody of Punjab Police was heard in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on (10 December). Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case submitted its sealed report to the court.
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At the same time, the court asked whether the role of officers up to DSP has come to light in this case? The High Court questioned whether the role of the SSP or any other officer was not known? On this, Special DGP Prabodh Kumar said that investigation of the matter is going on. At the same time, the High Court said that the financial aspects of this case can be investigated by ED if necessary.
ED can assist in the investigation
On this, the Central Government’s lawyer said that ED can investigate after a new FIR is registered in this case. On this, the High Court said that if the FIR is already registered, then the ED can cooperate in the investigation. On this, DGP Prabodh Kumar said that sections related to this can be added to the already registered FIR. On which the Central Government’s lawyer said that he will cooperate if needed.
Home department’s affidavit canceled
During the hearing, the Under Secretary of the Home Department filed an affidavit saying that the Punjab Government has taken action against the officers responsible for this interview. Which was canceled by the High Court. Also said that we need an affidavit from the Secretary or Chief Secretary of the Home Department. No other officer’s affidavit is required. The High Court has now ordered the Secretary or Chief Secretary of the Home Department to file an affidavit. Now the hearing of this case will be held on Monday.
Took responsibility for the murder of Moosewala in the first interview
Lawrence’s first interview was broadcast on March 14, 2023. In this, Lawrence had confessed to getting Sidhu Moosewala murdered. Lawrence said that Moosewala was getting into gang war instead of singing. Moosewala was also involved in the murder of his college friend, Akali leader Vicky Middukheda, hence he got him killed. According to the SIT report, this is the same interview which he gave from CIA custody.
In the second interview, he gave evidence of calling from the barracks.
In his second interview, Lawrence had also given evidence of giving the interview from inside the jail. He also showed his barrack and told that he is not allowed to go out, but his mobile phone also comes with him and it also has signal. Lawrence said in his interview that the prison guards rarely come and go at night, that is why he makes calls at night.
Lawrence had also given information about the mobile coming inside. According to Lawrence, mobile phones are thrown inside the jail from outside. Sometimes the jail staff even catches them, but most of the times the mobile phone reaches them.
Police took action against these officers
Punjab Police has taken action against the officers responsible for the first interview. This includes officers and employees from DSP to Head Constable rank. These include DSP Gursher Singh (9 battalion based in Amritsar), DSP Samar Vaneet, Sub Inspector Reena (posted in CIA Kharar), Sub Inspector Jagatpal Jangu (posted in AGTF), Sub Inspector Shaganjit Singh (AGTF), ASI Mukhtyar Singh and Head Constable Om. Lighting is included.
While the second interview is being investigated by Rajasthan Police. Two interviews of the gangster had gone viral. According to the SIT report, the first interview took place on 3 and 4 September 2023. Lawrence was posted at CIA Kharar in Punjab at that time. The second interview took place in the Central Jail located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Punjab’s DGP had rejected the claim
After the release of gangster Lawrence’s interview, questions were raised on Punjab Police. After this, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav called a press conference. In which he had claimed that the interview was not conducted in Bathinda or any jail of Punjab. Showing two photographs of Lawrence, the DGP had said – When Lawrence was brought to Bathinda jail, his hair was cut and he had no beard or moustache.