Death Row Convict Assaults Journalist in Punjab Prison

Patiala (Punjab), Dec 19 (IANS) A senior journalist was allegedly assaulted inside a high-security prison on Saturday by Khalistani terrorist Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is facing death sentence on terrorism charges, officials said.

The Punjab government ordered a probe into the incident. Prison officials placed a jail official under suspension following the incident.

The journalist, Kanwar Sandhu, who has been editor of leading English dailies in Chandigarh, received injuries in the incident, jail officials said. His turban also fell in the alleged assault.

Sandhu had gone inside the jail premises for an interview with the condemned terrorist when he was allegedly assaulted.

Assistant jail superintendent Jagmel Singh, who allowed Sandhu to go inside for the interview with Rajoana without permission from seniors, was placed under suspension by Saturday evening.

Jail officials told IANS that controversial Punjab Police ex-constable Gurmeet Singh, alias Pinky, had also come to the prison on Saturday.

Rajoana's sister Kamaldeep posted about the interview meeting between Sandhu and Rajoana on her Facebook page on Saturday.