The Punjab government has suspended seven police officers in connection with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s 2022 interview conducted from jail. Among those suspended for carelessness and gross negligence are two deputy superintendents, Gursher Singh and Sammer Vaneet.

This action follows a Special Investigation Team, formed under the direction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which found that Bishnoi’s interview took place via video conference while he was in custody at Kharar CIA in September 2022.

The suspension orders were issued by state home secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh on Friday. Other officers suspended include sub-inspector Reena from the Kharar CIA, sub-inspector Jagatpal Jangu from AGTF, sub-inspector Shaganjit Singh (then on duty), and head constable Om Parkash.

The Special Investigation Team provided evidence to the Rajasthan Police indicating that Lawrence Bishnoi was interviewed at Jaipur Central Jail, although it was later confirmed that the interview actually occurred in a Punjab jail.