Chandigarh: Punjab police have formally requested the information and broadcasting ministry to prevent an OTT platform from streaming the docuseries 'Lawrence of Punjab', expressing fears that it could incite criminal activity. The police have also urged the Centre to ensure the trailer is not viewed globally. The docuseries is scheduled for release on April 27.
Official Letter Highlights Concerns
In a letter dated Wednesday, Punjab Special DGP (cybercrime) V Neeraja addressed the ministry's joint secretary C Senthil Rajan, stating: "It is learnt that the documentary depicts the life and criminal trajectory of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and includes references to serious criminal incidents, including the murder of Sidhu Moose Wala and other firing incidents linked to prominent personalities. It contains dramatised portrayals, real-life footage, and narrative elements which lead to the glorification and amplification of organised crime and criminal elements."
Impact on Society and Youth
The special DGP noted that "the documentary has attracted strong objections from various sections of society." She wrote that it could negatively influence youth by "normalising or romanticising organised crime," undermine law enforcement efforts against gangsterism, and disturb public order, thereby vitiating law and order in the state. Given the sensitivity of gangster-related issues in Punjab and the potential for strong public reactions, she requested that the OTT series and its trailers be stopped.
High Court Observations Cited
The letter references the Punjab & Haryana High Court's suo motu cognisance of video interviews of Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly recorded from within jail. The Special DGP mentioned a High Court observation from December 21, 2023, stating that "such content tends to promote criminal activities and may adversely impact ongoing trials as well as influence witnesses." The court had directed that all URLs, weblinks, and videos of the interview be removed or blocked.
The letter also cites another High Court order from January 28 this year, directing the Punjab DGP to identify websites and social media platforms where content glorifying crime and criminals was being shared and remove them immediately.
