Lawrence of Punjab row: ZEE5’s upcoming web series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ has found itself at the centre of an intensified political row and pressure from law enforcement, as both Punjab Police and the Congress party have sought to ban it. The controversy has stemmed from concerns that the series glorifies notorious jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and risks tarnishing the cultural identity that Punjab holds. 

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has written to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in this regard, and has urged the Centre to block the release of the web series. He expressed ‘urgent concern’ in the letter over the portrayal of a figure linked to multiple serious crimes. 

Lawrence of Punjab row: Warring refers to Sidhu Moosewala’s murder

Warring contended that the series, reportedly inspired by Bishnoi’s life, could portray a distorted narrative that glorifies criminal activity. He also referred to the murder of critically acclaimed Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, emphasising that showcasing such an individual in a dramatised format could be deeply damaging and nonchalant. 

Police approach Ministry, cite threat to public order

In a parallel development, the Punjab Police have also stepped in. They wrote to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), urging it to block public access to the series ahead of its release slated for April 27. Special DGP (Punjab Cyber Crime) V Neeraja highlighted fears that the content may ‘simplify and glorify’ organised crime. 

Officials aware of the development warned that such portrayals could disrupt public orders and may negatively impact impressionable audiences, particularly the youth. The police said they have invoked Section 69A(1) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, along with provisions under the 2009 blocking rules, to support their request. Moreover, they also called for the global removal of the web series’ trailer. 

Moosewala’s family also chips in

Adding to the growing chorus of opposition, slain singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father also appealed to the government to pull the plug on the series. He echoed concerns about the glorification of individuals linked to violent crimes. 

So far, the MIB has not reverted to the Punjab Police, leaving the fate of the web series in limbo just days before its release.

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