Punjab 1995: The Beant Singh Assassination Case — A Brief Account Based on the CBI Case Record
Baljit Balli
Chandigarh, August 30, 2026: Nearly 31 years ago, on August 31, 1995, Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh was assassinated in a powerful suicide-bomb blast outside the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh. The incident claimed the lives of Beant Singh and 16 others, while several people were injured.
Babushahi has discussed the Beant Singh assassination case in a special episode/interview, presenting a brief account of the case and its subsequent developments.
Beant Singh Bomb Assassination Case: What Happened and When — A Brief Timeline
August 31, 1995
Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh was assassinated in a powerful suicide-bomb attack outside the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh.
The suicide bomber, Dilawar Singh Babbar, a Punjab Police constable and member of Babbar Khalsa, carried out the attack. Beant Singh and 16 others were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
The attack was widely viewed as an act of revenge for the government's tough campaign against militancy and allegations of fake police encounters during Beant Singh's tenure.
September 1995
The police investigation pointed towards a conspiracy allegedly involving Babbar Khalsa International and its top leaders siting abroad. Among those named as conspirators were Jagtar Singh Hawara, Balwant Singh Rajoana and others.
Balwant Singh Rajoana acknowledged his role as a backup bomber, refused to mount a legal defence and expressed his lack of faith in the Indian judicial system.
Jagtar Singh Hawara emerged as one of the main alleged conspirators.
January 21, 2004 — Burail Jail Break, Chandigarh
Jagtar Singh Hawara, Paramjit Singh Bheora and two other prisoners escaped from Burail Jail after digging a tunnel.
The jailbreak was a major embarrassment for the Punjab Police and prison administration, following which a large-scale search operation was launched.
2005
Jagtar Singh Hawara was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell and subsequently sent back to prison.
July 1, 2007 — CBI Special Court Verdict
The CBI Special Court convicted several accused in the case.
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Balwant Singh Rajoana — sentenced to death.
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Jagtar Singh Hawara — sentenced to death; the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment on appeal.
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Paramjit Singh Bheora and several others were also convicted.
2012 — Rajoana’s Scheduled Execution
Balwant Singh Rajoana's execution was scheduled for March 31, 2012.
The execution was subsequently stayed amid mercy petitions and opposition from Sikh organisations. His mercy petitions remained pending before the President.
2014–2019
The demand for commutation of Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment continued, while a decision by the Centre remained pending.
December 2019
The Government of India announced a decision to commute Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment as part of a move showing clemency towards Sikh prisoners. However, the formal order required to implement the decision could not take effect.
2023–2026: A Politically and Emotionally Sensitive Issue
The Beant Singh assassination case continues to remain a politically and emotionally sensitive issue in Punjab.
A section of Punjab's population, particularly among the urban population, regards Beant Singh as a leader who stood against militancy. His family and the Congress party observe the anniversary of his assassination every year at the memorial dedicated to him in Sector 42, Chandigarh.
On the other hand, a section of the Sikh community regards Dilawar Singh as a martyr and considers those involved in Beant Singh's assassination to be heroes.
Both narratives continue to coexist in Punjab, reflecting the deeply complex and sensitive legacy of the state's turbulent period of militancy.