Controversial Web Series Sparks Outcry in Punjab

Congress MP and Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a ban on the forthcoming web series 'Lawrence of Punjab.' The series, focusing on imprisoned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is set to premiere on the OTT platform ZEE5 on April 27. The appeal follows a similar request from Punjab Police to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to cease public access to the series.

In his correspondence, Warring expressed "urgent concerns" about the project, highlighting the potential glorification of a figure implicated in serious offenses, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. He warned that such portrayals could erroneously associate Punjab's identity with "gangster culture," thereby casting a negative light on the region.

Warring cautioned that romanticizing gangsters could adversely impact impressionable young audiences, steering them towards crime rather than deterring it. He emphasized, "The web series may glorify crime and gangster culture, which we should all aim to discourage. Linking Punjab with a figure like Lawrence Bishnoi insults our values. We seek your personal intervention to prevent the series from airing." As of now, the central government has not responded to the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)