Punjab Police wrote a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said- ban Lawrence of Punjab from being released on ZEE5.

New Delhi. Punjab Police has formally requested the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to stop the upcoming documentary series titled Lawrence of Punjab. The series is scheduled to release on OTT platform ZEE5 on April 27. An official letter sent by Special Director General of Police (Cyber ​​Crime) V Neeraj has expressed serious concern over the content of the documentary. It is being told that this documentary shows the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his criminal journey. The series is said to feature dramatic depictions of high-profile crimes and real-life references, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and other violent incidents.

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Authorities fear that the documentary may glorify and normalize organized crime, which could have a negative impact on young viewers and lead them to view criminal activity as normal or attractive. The police have also warned that such content could undermine ongoing law enforcement efforts and disturb public order in the state. The request has been made under Section 69A(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with relevant provisions of the IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Preventing Access to Public Information) Rules, 2009. Punjab Police has specifically asked to direct ZEE5 not to stream this documentary and remove access to its trailer from across the world. The letter also referred to the previous observations of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had taken suo motu cognizance of Lawrence Bishnoi’s interview allegedly recorded inside the jail premises. The court had commented that such content could promote criminal activities and have an adverse impact on the ongoing trials. Officials were directed to remove such content from digital platforms.

Officials stressed that Internet-based content has greater reach and greater impact due to its audio-visual nature, making it more accessible and impactful. Especially among audiences who are easily influenced. The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of crime-based content on digital platforms. Especially of content that is considered sensationalizing or glorifying criminal figures. The ministry has not yet responded to this request.