The Punjab government has dismissed Gursher Singh Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), for tarnishing the police department’s image. Sandhu facilitated a video interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi during Bishnoi’s custody at the Central Investigation Agency (CIA), Kharar, in March 2023.
The Department of Home Affairs issued the dismissal orders on Thursday, following the Punjab Public Service Commission’s (PPSC) approval. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, signed the orders under Article 311 of the Constitution, which allows dismissal without a formal inquiry if deemed impracticable.
The dismissal order stated that Sandhu evaded multiple attempts to receive the chargesheet. The Commandant of the 9th Battalion, Punjab Armed Police (PAP), Amritsar, eventually affixed the chargesheet at Sandhu’s residence after his repeated non-cooperation.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, found Sandhu culpable. The SIT concluded that Sandhu facilitated Bishnoi’s interview while Bishnoi was in CIA Kharar’s custody. Sandhu had been suspended since October 2024 due to his role in the scandal.
The state government emphasized that Sandhu’s actions severely damaged the Punjab Police’s reputation. His negligence and misconduct constituted a violation of discipline and conduct rules. The PPSC, through a December 2024 memo, approved Sandhu’s dismissal under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution.
Sandhu, along with six other officers, had been suspended in connection with the case. Following his suspension, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau initiated a separate probe into allegations of disproportionate assets and disputed property dealings against him.
The dismissal order concluded that Sandhu’s conduct undermined public trust in the Punjab Police and warranted strict disciplinary action.
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