Punjab chief minister Beant Singh was assassinated in a car bomb blast at the state secretariat on August 31, 1995 carried out by pro-Khalistan terrorists.
The blast claimed the lives of 17 others including three commandos. Babbar Khalsa claimed responsibility for the killings.
Dilawar Singh Jaisinghwala was the suicide bomber, while Balwant Singh Rajoana was the standby bomber, who was arrested and sentenced to death. His execution was however stayed by the Centre in 2012.
Dilawar Singh and Balwant Singh had a coin toss, after which Dilawar became the suicide bomber and Balwant became the standby bomber, if Dilawar failed. On March 23, 2102, Balwant Singh was felicitated by the Akal Takht as a national martyr.
