Punjab Cm Meets Governor To Seek Parole For Beant Assassination Convict Hawara

Chandigarh: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday met Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to push for a 10-day parole for Beant Singh assassination convict Jagtar Singh Hawara, enabling him to meet his ailing octogenarian mother.

The meeting came four days after the chief minister wrote to the governor, urging him to consider the parole request on “humanitarian grounds.”

Hawara, who is serving a life term for the assassination of then chief minister Beant Singh in 1995, is currently lodged in Delhi’s Central Jail, Mandoli.

“Mata ji is in a semi-conscious state. When Hawara’s name is whispered in her ears, she reacts and blinks her eyes. A mother has been waiting to meet her son after 31 years,” he said. He said his government was willing to provide any documents required in connection with the parole request and expressed hope that the convict would soon be with his mother.

Mann’s letter and his meeting with the governor in quick succession, particularly after the state government had opposed the parole only a few months ago, are seen as an attempt to contain the political fallout of the ‘Guru Dokhi’ controversy amid renewed political churn over Panthic votes. The Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), Shiromani Akali Dal and other Akali factions have all stepped up their efforts to consolidate their support bases ahead from state polls, due in less than six months.

Delhi jail supdt to decide on parole plea: Court

Hawara had submitted the application on June 11, 2025, seeking four weeks’ parole to attend to his ailing mother. As no decision was taken on his application, he moved the court.

“On receipt of the comments/recommendation, the superintendent of the Central Jail, Mandoli, shall take a decision on the parole application within a further period of two weeks thereafter,” the court directed.

A senior assistant editor, Navneet Sharma leads the Punjab bureau for Hindustan Times. He writes on politics, public affairs, civil services and the energy sector.