Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], October 26 (HBTV): Seven Punjab Police officers, including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) Gursher Sandhu and Sammer Vaneet, have been suspended in connection with an interview given by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in prison.

The suspension was ordered by the Punjab Home Affairs Department following directives from the Governor of Punjab.

The order stated that Prabodh Kumar of the Special Investigation Team was formed under the leadership of the Special Director General of Police, Punjab State Human Rights Commission. According to the report presented in the city, accused Lawrence Bishnoi, detained under the jurisdiction of the Central Intelligence Agency, Kharar, gave an interview via video conference to a TV channel, the order noted.

The SIT report identified several officers for negligence in their duties related to the incident involving Lawrence Bishnoi's prison interview. Those named include Gursher Singh, PPS, DSP of the 9th PAP in Amritsar, who was then DSP (Investigations) in SAS Nagar, and Sammer Vaneet, PPS, DSP of the Economic Offences Wing in SAS Nagar.

Additionally, Sub-Inspector Reena from the CIA in Kharar, Sub-Inspectors Jagatpal Jangu and Shaganjit Singh from the Anti-Gangster Task Force, ASI Mukhtiar Singh, the then Duty Officer, and Head Constable Om Parkash, the then Night MHC of the CIA in Kharar, were also cited in the report for their roles in the matter.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a reward of INR 10 lakh for the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol is charged in two NIA cases registered in 2022 and is also wanted in connection with a shooting incident that occurred outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence earlier this year.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Anmol Bishnoi's whereabouts to come forward. He has been linked to various criminal activities and is considered a significant figure in organized crime. Authorities believe that his apprehension could provide crucial insights into broader networks involved in illicit operations across the region. As the NIA intensifies its efforts to track down Anmol, officials are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in his capture.

(ANI)