Chandigarh, 2 January 2025: The Punjab government has dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gursher Singh Sandhu for his role in facilitating an interview with notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in police custody.
The incident, which occurred in March 2023 at the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) in Kharar, prompted an inquiry after the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened, pushing for stringent action against those involved.
Sandhu’s dismissal was confirmed Thursday by the Department of Home Affairs, following approval from the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), the authority responsible for Punjab Police appointments. The order accused Sandhu of damaging the credibility of the police force by allowing the interview of Bishnoi, who is charged with multiple serious offenses, including his alleged involvement in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala and other crimes ranging from extortion to murder.
A report from the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) stated, “Gursher Singh Sandhu’s actions have severely dented the department’s image due to his misconduct, negligence, and dereliction of duty.” The report also referred to the DSP’s failure to accept and act on the chargesheet related to the incident.
In the wake of the interview, six other police officers, including a DSP, were suspended, and show-cause notices were issued as investigations continue. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had directed action after the police’s delayed response, had earlier banned the airing of the controversial interview, which occurred near Sidhu Moosewala’s first bhog ceremony.
Action remains pending against senior officials, including those who failed to prevent the incident, and those suspected of being involved.
