The Punjab and Haryana High Court has come down heavily on the Punjab Police for its glaring failure to prevent the brazen murder of a former kabaddi player inside a crowded stadium. The court has taken the extraordinary step of directing the Director General of Police (DGP) to appear in person and explain the security lapses.
Court Demands Personal Explanation from Top Cop
A division bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal expressed severe anguish over the incident that occurred on December 15 at a stadium in Sector-79, SAS Nagar, Mohali. The bench noted that armed criminals entered the venue, fired multiple shots in the presence of nearly a thousand spectators and police personnel, and escaped without any hindrance. The match was being telecast live, and the chilling act was captured on CCTV.
"Criminals armed with pistols entering a stadium, firing several shots and escaping in the presence of a thousand spectators and scores of policemen on duty, indicates that the criminals had a free run," the court observed. It stated that this and other instances of targeted killings, some caught on camera, show criminals are operating with impunity, raising serious law and order questions for the state.
Specific Queries on Security Lapse and Investigations
The High Court has issued specific directives to the DGP. He must explain why adequate security arrangements were not made at the stadium and detail the steps being taken to curb organised crime and prevent such incidents. The bench also demanded to know why the two shooters have not been apprehended yet and directed the submission of the duty roster of police officials deployed at the stadium that day.
"It appears no effort was made by any police officer to apprehend the culprits, which is deplorable," Justice Grewal remarked. During a hearing on Wednesday, the state counsel, informed by SP (Investigation) Saurav Jindal, submitted that the two shooters have been identified and efforts are on to nab them. Five other individuals associated with the crime have already been arrested.
Broader Concern Over Glorification of Crime
The court connected this incident to a larger, troubling pattern. It recalled that on December 23, 2023, it had expressed grave concern over the telecast of an interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, which glorified crime and had the potential to influence young minds. The court had then directed the DGP to file an affidavit on whether there was a spurt in crimes like extortion and targeted killings following that interview.
The DGP filed an affidavit detailing such incidents. Furthermore, in response to a court order dated July 16, 2025, regarding steps to combat extortion and organised crime, the DGP filed another affidavit on August 26 outlining police measures. The High Court has now fixed the next hearing in this matter for January 15, when the DGP is expected to appear and respond to the court's queries in person.
