CHANDIGARH, APRIL 25 — Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has called for an investigation into how incarcerated gang members are able to issue threats to senior political leaders from within high-security prisons. The Gurdaspur MP maintained that he and other prominent figures, including SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress President Raja Warring, were sent threatening WhatsApp messages after they successfully sought a ban on the “Lawrence of Punjab” documentary.
The central government’s intervention to halt the release of the web series came after leaders across the political spectrum declared that such content could incite further violence. Randhawa stated that despite the ban being a victory for public safety, the subsequent threats indicate that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang continues to operate with ease. He affirmed that he has discussed the matter with the Punjab DGP, seeking immediate action to track the source of the communication.
The MP stated that it is a matter of concern that Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently held in Sabarmati Jail, continues to exert influence. He asserted that such incidents raise questions about the efficacy of central prison management and the possible patronage of agencies. Randhawa also mentioned that Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, currently held in Dibrugarh Jail, has been reported to be using mobile phones, which he stated reflects a systemic failure in curbing gangster activities.
Raja Warring affirmed the Congress party’s resolve to combat gangsterism in the state regardless of the pressure. He declared that the safety of Punjab’s citizens is a non-negotiable priority and stated that the party will continue to oppose any attempts to romanticize criminal figures. Other recipients of the threats, including Balkaur Singh, have consistently voiced their opposition to the influence of organized crime groups in the state’s cultural and political spheres.
