The Punjab Government has dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gursher Singh Sandhu for his alleged involvement in facilitating the recording of an interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi by a television channel while Bishnoi was in the custody of the CIA Kharar.
The dismissal order, issued by Gurkirat Karpal Singh, Secretary to the Punjab Government’s Department of Home Affairs, came on Thursday. The government invoked Article 311 of the Constitution to remove Sandhu, who had been under suspension since October 25, 2024.
Findings of SIT Report
The dismissal order was based on conclusions drawn by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which found that Sandhu had “facilitated the recording of an interview of Lawrence Bishnoi by a TV Channel while in the custody of CIA, Kharar.”
The order stated:
“After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances, the State Government is satisfied that Gursher Singh Sandhu, PPS (under suspension), has severely dented the image of the Punjab Police as a result of his misconduct, negligence, and dereliction of duty during the occurrence of the interview.”
Misconduct and Disciplinary Violations
The government emphasized that Sandhu’s failure to properly discharge his duties was a gross violation of the discipline and conduct rules of the Punjab Police. The dismissal was approved by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), the appointing authority for Punjab Police Service (PPS) cadre officials.
Previous Suspensions
The interview controversy had earlier led to the suspension of seven Punjab Police personnel, including Sandhu, in October 2024.