MOHALI, Apr 19 — In a significant development in the investigation into gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s controversial jail interview, a Mohali court has permitted polygraph tests on six Punjab Police personnel, amid suspicions of internal collusion.
Officials said the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, led by ADGP Neelabh Kishore, had approached the court alongside the government prosecutor to seek approval for the scientific test. The court granted the request after being informed that six of the seven personnel had voluntarily given written consent.
“The polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector test, will be conducted in accordance with the legal protocols, as it requires the individual’s consent,” a senior official involved in the case said.
Polygraph testing is used to measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity during questioning. These indicators are believed to fluctuate when a person is deceptive, making the test a tool often used in criminal investigations.
Investigating agencies told the court that statements of all concerned staff had already been recorded, but the polygraph test was essential to deepen the inquiry.
According to sources close to the probe, officials suspect that Bishnoi’s interview from within prison premises could not have occurred without assistance from inside the system.
“The test is being carried out to determine whether any police or jail staff played a role in facilitating media access to Lawrence Bishnoi,” an official said.
The identity of the personnel under scrutiny has not been disclosed. The seventh individual has yet to provide consent, which is mandatory for the test to proceed.
The development underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the breach, as the case continues to draw public attention and scrutiny over prison security protocols.
