Bhagwant Mann escalates parole demand for Beant Singh assassin, meets governor

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday to advocate for 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, the man convicted for the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh. Mann, who had previously written to the governor with the same request, requested parole on humanitarian grounds due to the deteriorating health of Hawara's ailing mother.

The Punjab government's backing for the request was presented to the governor, who was assured that the state would bear full responsibility for maintaining law and order if Hawara were to visit his home. Hawara has been incarcerated for 31 years. Mann emphasized that the former CM's mother is elderly and suffering from a severe, age-related health condition, and is currently in a semi-conscious state.

He urged the governor to consider granting Hawara parole at the earliest to allow him to meet his mother. The High Court had previously directed authorities at Delhi’s Mandoli prison to decide Hawara's parole application in a timely manner after receiving recommendations from the Chandigarh administration. Mann reiterated his commitment to upholding law and order in Punjab, assuring the governor of the state government's support and cooperation in pursuing the matter with the Centre.