Lawrence Bishnoi, who is lodged in Tihar jail and is suspected to be involved in the killing of Punjabi singer-turned-Congress leader Sidhu Moose Wala, has filed a petition in Delhi High Court. He has sought directions that his custody should not be given to Punjab police.
He is seeking protection from Punjab police who has been seeking his physical custody through a production warrant.
Bishnoi, who is one of the prime accused in the murder of famous Punjabi singer Moosewala, stated in the plea that a press conference was done by the Punjab Police where it was alleged that Bishnoi had involvement in the murder, thereby arguing that the investigation agency was falsely implicating him in the murder case.
He has also sought directions to Tihar jail authorities to intimate his lawyers before handing over his custody to Punjab police.
The petition also seeks directions to Delhi police and Tihar jail authorities to ensure proper safety arrangements. As per the security arrangement demand, he should be handcuffed, shackled and video-graphed during the production warrant and on transit remand if any warrant produced by the Punjab police.
The petition further stated, “In the humble submission of the petitioners it has to be uppermost kept in the mind that impartial and truthful investigation is imperative. It is that fair trial includes fair investigation as envisaged by Articles 20 ‘and 21 of the Constitution of India.”
It is the responsibility of the investigating agency to ensure that during the interrogation and investigation regarding the aforesaid incident, proper safeguards may be adopted by the police to ensure all necessary security of Bishnoi, the plea added.
“The petitioners as being alleged accused is entitled to fair and true investigation and fair trial and the prosecution is expected to play a balanced role in the trial of a crime. The investigation should be judicious, fair, transparent and expeditious and the investigating authority shall ensure the safety of the life of any accused person,” the plea reads.
He had approached Patiala House Court on Monday over the apprehension of a fake encounter by Punjab police. The plea was rejected by the court.
He approached Delhi High Court after NIA Special judge Praveen Singh refused to pass any orders on the plea.
“The judge did not pass an order since there was no production warrant from the Punjab Police yet. I am going to move the Delhi High Court since there is a threat to Bishnoi’s life,” said Vishal Chopra, advocate representing Bishnoi.
He has been in judicial custody for over one year in connection to a MCOCA case. He was facing trial in the present case for offences under Section 3 and Section 4 of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Bishnoi’s name came under scanner after Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar took the responsibility for killing Sidhu Moose Wala. Goldy Brar shared it on social media that he planned the murder with Lawrence Bishnoi.
Lawrence Bishnoi & Goldy Brar took responsibility of Sidhu Moosewala’s murder by posting FB post pic.twitter.com/XdlSkb6Esa
— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) May 29, 2022
After this update, Delhi Police’s Special Cell went to Tihar jail and questioned Bishnoi and his associate Shahrukh.
“During initial questioning, we found Shahrukh was tasked with killing Moosewala but the plan didn’t work out. The Special Cell arrested Shahrukh in April,” told a Special Cell officer.
The police has arrested 6 people in connection with the murder.
On May 29 (Sunday), Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district. The incident took place a day after Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government removed security cover for over 424 people in a claim to end VIP culture. Reportedly, the assailants fired some 30 rounds at Sidhu Moose Wala.
It was claimed that Sidhu still had two gunmen and one bulletproof vehicle under the security cover but he didn’t take them with him. A leaked list of 424 protectees, whose security cover was removed, is also under question. The matter is believed to be of gang war violence.
