The recent controversy surrounding the documentary-series titled ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ has escalated into a major security concern in Punjab. After the Central Government intervened to halt the release of the series on the OTT platform ZEE5, several high-profile figures who opposed its broadcast have received death threats from alleged gang associates.

Key Details of the Threat

The threats were reportedly delivered via WhatsApp messages from foreign numbers to a list of prominent leaders and officials. The messages contained the chilling warning: "Kafan ki taiyari kar lo" (Prepare your shroud/funeral), signaling an immediate threat to their lives.

Targeted High-Profile Figures

The list of individuals targeted includes those who were most vocal in demanding a ban on the series, citing the "glorification of crime":

• Gaurav Yadav: Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab.

• Amrinder Singh Raja Warring: Punjab Congress President and Ludhiana MP.

  Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa: Former Deputy CM and Gurdaspur MP.

• Bikram Singh Majithia: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader.

• Balkaur Singh: Father of the late singer Sidhu Moosewala.

• Punjab Advocate General: Also reportedly among the recipients.

Background: The 'Lawrence of Punjab' Row

The controversy began when ZEE5 announced the release of a documentary focused on the life and criminal trajectory of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, scheduled for April 27, 2026.

• The Opposition: Raja Warring and other leaders termed the series an "insult to Punjabiyat" and a tool to romanticize "gun culture."

• The Ban: Following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and a formal request from the Punjab Police (Cyber Crime wing), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to the OTT platform to stop the release, citing potential threats to public order.

Police Action & Investigation

Punjab Police’s Cyber Crime and Intelligence units have launched a technical probe to trace the origin of the foreign WhatsApp numbers. Security has been tightened around the residences and offices of the threatened leaders. Sukhjinder Randhawa has publicly questioned how gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi (currently in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail) continue to influence activities and issue threats from behind bars.