Beant Singh's assassin Balwant Rajoana gets parole for brother’s funeral, sparking fresh debate

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted for his role in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, has been granted a three-hour parole by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This parole allows Rajoana to attend the bhog ceremony for his late brother, Kulwant Singh, in his native village, Rajona, near Ludhiana. The court’s decision was made by a bench consisting of Justices Ajay Tewari and Pankaj Jain. They approved the parole after reviewing a report from the Ludhiana police, which confirmed the death of Kulwant Singh and the details of the ceremony. Rajoana's parole will be granted on January 31, from 11 AM to 2 PM, with police escorting him during this period.

Rajoana has been in prison for nearly 29 years, having been sentenced to death after his 2007 conviction for his involvement in a 1995 bomb blast that killed Beant Singh and 17 others. His case has sparked intense political and social debate in Punjab, particularly among those who view him as a martyr for the Sikh cause. The parole decision comes amidst ongoing discussions about Rajoana's long-pending mercy petition, which has been under review for more than a decade. His supporters argue that the delays in processing his petition warrant commutation of his death sentence. The Supreme Court had previously directed that his plea be expedited.

Rajoana's case continues to be a point of contention, reflecting the strong emotions within the Sikh community and raising complex questions about justice, accountability, and the legacy of violence from Punjab’s turbulent past. As he prepares to attend his brother's funeral rites, this parole represents a pivotal moment for Rajoana and his supporters, who continue to advocate for his release and recognition as a political prisoner.