# Punjab CM seeks parole for Beant Singh assassin

2026-08-08T18:30:09+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria seeking a 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, serving life for the 1995 assassination of former CM Beant Singh. Mann cited Hawara's ailing elderly mother and the Punjab and Haryana High Court's direction to consider the parole application. However, India Today reports that a February 2026 letter from the Punjab Jail Department shows the same government earlier opposed Hawara's parole, citing 25 criminal cases and adverse police recommendations. The Shiromani Akali Dal and Sikh organisations have long demanded the release of Hawara and other "Bandhi Sikhs", amid political speculation of an SAD-BJP alliance.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Aug/08/punjab-cm-mann-seeks-10-day-parole-for-beant-singh-assassin-jagtar-singh-hawara>
- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jagtar-singh-hawara-parole-punjab-opposed-release-then-sought-humanitarian-release-2966821-2026-08-08?utm_source=rss>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/punjab-cm-writes-to-governor-favouring-parole-for-convict-in-beant-singh-assassination-case-article-155388202>

Tags: Beant Singh assassination, Bhagwant Mann, Jagtar Singh Hawara, parole, Punjab, SAD-BJP alliance
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