The Punjab & Haryana High Court has instructed the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Prisons) Punjab to investigate whether Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster held in a High Security Jail, had access to a mobile phone. This directive follows a protection plea by military contractor Sukhbir Singh Brar, who claimed that in October, Deepak Tinu connected him to Bishnoi in a conference call, resulting in threats. Acknowledging the severity of a high-security inmate having access to mobile phones for potential ransom calls, Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj expressed concern.
The court, aware of uncertainties regarding Bishnoi's custody status on the mentioned date, directed the matter to the ADGP (Prisons) Punjab for an inquiry. The objective is to determine if there was a breach of security allowing an inmate access to a mobile/phone number. Sukhbir Singh Brar sought protection due to a security threat influenced by alleged political interests, prompted by an extortion call from Bishnoi.
The court took note of an FIR filed under Section 386 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code at Police Station Kulgari, District Ferozepur. Despite initial security measures, including the provision of two guards, authorities withdrew security cover instead of enhancing it, according to the petitioner. The court perused a status report from the DSP, Punjab, confirming threat assessment and temporary security arrangements for Brar. It concluded that no further security directions were necessary for the petitioner. However, the court highlighted a phone call from Deepak Tinu and Lawrence Bishnoi in the report, prompting an investigation.
The ADGP (Prisons) Punjab was tasked with inquiring into the matter and submitting a status report within eight weeks. Additionally, the High Court, taking suo moto cognizance, addressed the issue of phone usage inside jail premises, questioning measures in place to prevent the entry of prohibited items. A division bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Kirti Singh issued notices to both states and the UT, considering an interview given by Bishnoi during his judicial custody in the Siddhu Moosewala murder case, which was telecast while he was in custody.
TAGS: Punjab & Haryana High Court Lawrence Bishnoi ADGP (Prisons) inquiry high-security jail mobile phone access
