The Punjab government is facing severe criticism following a recent revelation that notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi gave a gangster TV interview while in police custody. This incident has sparked outrage among the public, opposition parties, and the judiciary, leading to calls for immediate action and accountability.

Gangster TV Interview Sparks Legal and Political Outrage

The controversy centers around Lawrence Bishnoi, an infamous gangster who is currently charged with multiple criminal offenses, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Bishnoi, who is linked to over 71 cases and has been convicted in at least four, was reportedly filmed giving an interview at the CIA police station in Kharar, Punjab, while he was under police custody. This situation came to light through an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that reported to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 7.

The High Court responded strongly to this breach of protocol, stating, “The black sheep in state police must be identified and brought to book at the earliest.” This reaction underscores the severity of the situation, as the court had previously expressed concerns about the gangster TV interview back in December. The court criticized the interview for “glorifying crime and criminals,” viewing it as a serious matter that undermines the rule of law and public trust in the justice system.

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The revelation that the interview took place while Bishnoi was in police custody has exacerbated the crisis, prompting significant backlash from political figures and the general public. The opposition parties in Punjab have seized upon this issue, using it as a platform to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other key officials.

Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability Over Gangster TV Interview

The political fallout from the gangster TV interview scandal has been swift and intense. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition from the Congress party, has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the ministers responsible for the Home and Jail departments. Bajwa criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for what he described as a persistent pattern of dishonesty since March 2023. He emphasized that the CM owes an explanation to the people of Punjab, particularly to the parents of the slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who remains a symbol of the ongoing violence in the region.

Similarly, Bikram Singh Majithia, a leader from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister. Majithia pointed out that the AAP government had previously denied that the gangster TV interview took place at a jail in Punjab. However, a report submitted by the SIT has confirmed that the interview was indeed recorded at the Kharar police station. Majithia alleged that such an incident could only occur with the government’s tacit approval, raising questions about why Bishnoi was afforded such protection.

The High Court's reaction to the gangster TV interview has been unequivocal, with the judiciary calling for prompt action to identify those responsible within the police force. The court's emphasis on punishing those involved highlights the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for transparency and accountability.

The public response in Punjab has been one of shock and dismay. Many citizens are demanding that the government take responsibility for the scandal and address the systemic issues that allowed such a breach of protocol to occur. The incident has fueled widespread skepticism about the government’s ability to maintain order and uphold the rule of law, further intensifying calls for accountability.

In conclusion, the scandal surrounding Lawrence Bishnoi’s gangster TV interview has placed the Punjab government in a difficult position, facing criticism from all sides. The opposition parties are leveraging the situation to press for political change, while the High Court and the public are calling for immediate action to address the breach. As the investigation continues, the future of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the broader Punjab government hangs in the balance, with the need for swift and decisive action becoming increasingly apparent. The gangster TV interview scandal has not only exposed serious flaws in the handling of high-profile prisoners but also underscored the ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and political leadership in Punjab.

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