- Threat messages sent via foreign WhatsApp numbers; police launch probe as controversy over OTT series escalates
Punjab Newsline | Chandiagrh
After the ban on the documentary “Lawrence of Punjab”, several prominent figures in Punjab including DGP Gaurav Yadav, Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Sidhu Moosewala's father Balkaur Singh have reportedly received death threats. Punjab’s Advocate General has also been targeted by Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
According to sources, the threats were sent through foreign WhatsApp numbers, warning the recipients of dire consequences and explicitly threatening their lives. Following the emergence of these messages, Punjab Police has swung into action and initiated an investigation.
The controversy began after reports surfaced that an OTT platform, ZEE5, was set to release a series titled “Lawrence of Punjab” on April 27. The series allegedly focuses on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring termed the show an “insult to Punjabiyat” and issued a legal notice to the platform, after which the Centre intervened and halted its release.
In addition, a letter was sent to the Prime Minister, and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a ban on the series. Punjab Police also wrote to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting demanding immediate action.
Special DGP (Cyber Crime) V Neerja warned that the series glorifies organised crime, which could adversely impact law and order in the state.
Meanwhile, Balkaur Singh, father of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala, strongly opposed the series. He stated that glorifying gangsters is like “poison” for the youth and questioned why content is being made on his son’s killers instead of martyrs or scientists. Calling it an act that “rubs salt into the wounds of victims,” he demanded an immediate ban.