In a significant development within the ongoing legal saga surrounding jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, a Mohali court has dismissed a petition filed by five Punjab Police personnel seeking exemption from undergoing polygraph tests. This decision allows the police officers to proceed with the tests, although they retain the option to challenge the ruling in the High Court.
The matter came to light after Bishnoi’s interviews, which were recorded while he was in police custody, sparked controversy. The Additional District and Sessions Judge, T P S Randhawa, had earlier stayed proceedings until April 28, 2025, and issued notices to the state and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) regarding the case.
During the hearing, Advocate Sultan Singh Sangha, representing the petitioners, argued that consent for the polygraph tests was obtained under duress. He claimed that the officers were pressured by senior officials, including an IPS officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), who was present in court at the time the consent was given. "At the time the order was passed, a senior IPS officer was present in the court," Sangha stated, emphasizing the coercive atmosphere that influenced the officers' decision.
In support of their claims, the petitioners submitted documents, including a notice to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a retraction affidavit stating that their initial consent was not voluntary. The affidavit cited legal precedents that stress the necessity of informed and voluntary consent, the presence of legal counsel, and proper judicial recording before conducting lie detector tests. The court acknowledged these concerns, leading to the temporary stay on the polygraph tests.
Following the court's ruling, the focus shifted to the broader implications of Bishnoi's interviews, which were aired by a private channel in March 2023. The first interview featured Bishnoi openly confessing to orchestrating the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, claiming that Moosewala was involved in gang wars and had a role in the death of his college friend, Akali leader Vicky Middukhera. This revelation has raised serious questions about the integrity of the Punjab Police and their handling of high-profile inmates.
In a subsequent interview conducted from a jail in Rajasthan, Bishnoi provided insight into how he managed to access mobile phones while incarcerated. He explained that phones are often thrown over the prison walls, and although some are intercepted by jail staff, many still reach him. He stated, "I make calls at night because there are fewer guards on duty, giving me better opportunities to communicate with the outside world." This admission has prompted further scrutiny into potential collusion between jail staff and inmates.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Punjab Government has taken swift action in response to the allegations of misconduct. Six police personnel, including DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu, have been suspended for their roles in the incident, which allowed Bishnoi to conduct the interviews while under police custody. The internal investigation aims to uncover whether any police officers or jail staff facilitated this media access.
The situation has raised significant concerns regarding police accountability and the ethical treatment of detainees. Critics argue that the circumstances surrounding the interviews reflect a systemic failure within the Punjab Police, highlighting the need for reform in how high-profile prisoners are managed.
As the case progresses, the outcome of the polygraph tests may play a crucial role in determining the extent of any misconduct and the potential ramifications for those involved. The court's decision to allow the tests underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing commitment to uncovering the truth.
In summary, the Mohali court's ruling not only opens the door for further legal scrutiny of the Punjab Police but also raises important questions about the integrity of the justice system in handling high-profile criminal cases. The developments in the Lawrence Bishnoi interview case will undoubtedly continue to draw public attention as more information comes to light.
