Chandigarh: Punjab police have requested the information and broadcasting ministry to stop an OTT platform from telecasting the docuseries ‘Lawrence of Punjab’, citing apprehensions that it could incite crime.Punjab cops have urged the Centre to ensure that people around the world don’t get to watch the trailer as well. The docuseries is scheduled for release on April 27.The letter from Punjab special DGP (cybercrime) V Neeraja to the ministry’s joint secretary C Senthil Rajan on Wednesday says, “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.“Noting that “the documentary has attracted strong objections from various sections of society”, the special DGP writes that it 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 such content to evoke strong public reactions, she asks that the OTT series and its trailers be stopped.Referring to Punjab & Haryana High Court taking suo motu cognisance of video interviews of Lawrence, allegedly recorded from within jail, the Special DGP mentions an HC observation of Dec 21, 2023, that “such content tends to promote criminal activities and may adversely impact ongoing trials as well as influence witnesses.” She pointed out that court had directed that all URLs, weblinks and videos of the interview be removed / blocked.The letter cites another high court order (dated Jan 28 this year) to Punjab DGP to identify websites and social media platforms where content glorifying crime and criminals was being shared, and remove them immediately.
