 "President stays Rajoana's execution")
New Delhi: The hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana, assassin of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was today stayed by the Centre following a mercy petition. [caption id=“attachment_258818” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“AFP”]  [/caption] Sources in the government said that the hanging, which was scheduled to be carried out on 31 March, has been stayed following a petition filed by SGPC, the Sikh religious body. The sources said the decision to keep the hanging in abeyance was taken since a petition was filed in line with the guidelines followed in such cases. The scheduled hanging of Rajoana had got the politics of Punjab in a turmoil with the ruling Akali Dal campaigning against his execution while its coalition partner BJP disfavouring such a course. The state Congress leaders at a personal level had been favouring clemency. PTI
The hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana, assassin of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was today stayed by the Centre following a mercy petition.
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