10-yr term for Bhai Hawara in plot to kill Bhajan Lal

CHANDIGARH: The court of additional district and sessions judge Ravi Kumar Sondhi on Thursday awarded 10-year imprisonment apart from imposing a Rs 5,000 fine on Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara and four others in a 1995  case, which relates to a foiled attempt to assassinate the then Haryana chief minister Bhajan Lal. Bhai Hawara, Kulbir Singh, Malak Singh, Gurjeet Singh and Hakam Singh were  held guilty under the Explosive Substance Act. The special court had on Tuesday acquitted all 13 accused in cases of murder, attempt to murder and conspiracy.

Narinder Kaur, accused under Arms Act, was given three years imprisonment  but her sentence was considered having been undergone. Kulbir, Gurjeet and Hakam have already undergone three years imprisonment whereas Malak has undergone two years and nine months’ incarceration. AS Chahal, the defence counsel, said, ‘‘The court has awarded 10-year term to all five accused. The four accused, who were on bail, were remanded to judicial custody.

We will file an appeal against the order soon.’’ The case dates back to the night of December 14 , 1995, when, according to prosecution these 13 accused planned to assassinate the then Haryana CM, Bhajan Lal. A few accused headed towards Narwana. At Matheri village in Ambala district, the accused clashed with Haryana police, leading to the death of constable Vijay Bhan. Due to former Punjab CM Beant Singh’s assassination case hearing taking place in Chandigarh, this case was transferred from Ambala.