Former Punjab CM's assassin assaulted in court premises

Five activists, allegedly belonging to a right-wing Hindu outfit, on Friday assaulted Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted for assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, at the district court premises in Chandigarh.

Hawara and another terrorist Paramjt Singh Bheora were brought to Chandigarh from Tihar Jail for their production in the Burail jail break case.

"After the hearing, as Hawara was moving in the court complex five persons allegedly belonging to Rashtriya Hindu Seva Suraksha Samiti slapped him following which the terrorist also retaliated," ACP Deshraj Singh said.

"Immediately, police intervened and arrested five persons, including convenor of the organisation Nishant Sharma," he said.

Before assaulting Hawara, the Hindu right wing activists raised slogans.

Both Hawara and Bheora were brought to jail under tight security. Both the terrorists are lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the New Delhi blasts case of 2004.

Hawara, Bheora and their accomplice Jagtar Singh Tara along with another murder convict Devi Singh had made a sensational escape from Burail Jail in January 2004 by digging a 104-foot long tunnel.

While Hawara and Bheora were arrested, Tara and Devi Singh are absconding.