Former militant Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa (48) ended his fast-unto-death on the 45th day after convicts Lakhwinder Singh and Shamsher Singh, serving life term for the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, were on Friday released from Burail Jail, Chandigarh, on 28-day parole.
Khalsa took orange juice offered by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh inside the precints of Harmandar Sahib in Amritsar.He had started his fast on November 14, seeking the release of six former militants, namely Lakhwinder, Shamsher, Gurmeet Singh, Lal Singh, Waryam Singh and Gurdeep Singh.
Gurmeet, another convict in the Beant Singh case, and Lal Singh were released on parole over the past week. Waryam is under detention in Bareilly jail (Uttar Pradesh), while Gurdeep has been behind bars for the past 20-years in Gulbarga jail (Karnataka).
Meanwhile, Lakhwinder and Shamsher were released on Rs 1 lakh surety bonds each and directed to refrain from indulging in anti-social activities. As per the conditions of the parole, the convicts will have to report to the police station concerned every week and they are not entitled to leave their home district. Also, the district magistrate and Punjab Police will ensure that Lakhwinder (42) and Shamsher (56) do not indulge in anti-social activities.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, Lakhwinder and Shamsher were released on Rs 1 lakh surety bonds each and directed to refrain from indulging in anti-social activities. As per the conditions of the parole, the convicts will have to report to the police station concerned every week and they are not entitled to leave their home district. Also, the district magistrate and Punjab Police will ensure that Lakhwinder (42) and Shamsher (56) do not indulge in anti-social activities.
{{/usCountry}}The UT administration has clarified that in case the two abscond, the district magistrate and the Punjab police would be held accountable. Both hail from Patiala district.
The two were granted parole by the UT on a report from the Patiala district authorities about them. Activist Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa had been sitting on a fast unto death demanding the release of six former militants.
The UT administration on December 25 released Gurmeet Singh sentenced to life term in the same case.
Factfile
On July 31, 2007, additional district and sessions judge RK Sondhi had awarded life term to Lakhwinder and Shamsher. Who are they and why were they convicted?
Lakhwinder Singh
A munshi with the CID. As per the prosecution, he had got the car which was used in the blast repaired and painted. The court convicted him under Section 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 306, 109 (abetment) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.
He had also been convicted under Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Explosive Substances Act. He was awarded life imprisonment.
Shamsher Singh
As per the prosecution, he had accompanied Hawara in the truck and had helped him in getting the RDX later used for preparing the human bomb from Ajnala. The court convicted him under Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 306, 109 (abetment), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. He has also been convicted under sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Explosive Substances Act. He was awarded life imprisonment.