Row Over Docuseries on Gangster Lawrence; Demand to Ban ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ Grows
Raja Warring Calls It ‘A Slap on Punjab’; BJP Yuva Morcha Writes to Amit Shah Seeking Ban
By Baljit Balli / Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, April 21, 2026:
A major controversy has erupted over the upcoming docuseries “Lawrence of Punjab” based on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, with political voices across parties demanding an immediate ban.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has announced that he will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the series, terming it an insult to the people of Punjab. He said glorifying a gangster undermines the state’s identity and sacrifices of its people.
Taking to social media, Warring said the docuseries is “a slap on every Punjabi,” recalling the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was murdered by shooters linked to the Bishnoi gang. “Punjab’s identity is of martyrs like Bhagat Singh, our soldiers and farmers—not gangsters. This series must be banned,” he asserted.
Adding to the pressure, the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha has also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding a ban on the series, citing concerns over glorification of crime and its potential impact on youth.
Kulbir Singh (Ashu Amba) state secretary, BJP youth wing Punjab wrote a letter to HM demanding immediate ban on this series.
Meanwhile, streaming platform ZEE5 has announced that the docuseries, produced by Riverland Entertainment and directed by Raghav Darr, will premiere on April 27. The makers claim the series explores how criminal identities are shaped through culture, systems, and media amplification.
The controversy has intensified ahead of its release, with calls growing louder across political and social circles for the series to be halted, arguing that it risks normalising and glorifying organised crime.