Balwant Singh Rajoana: Death row convict urges swift decision on mercy plea

Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict on death row for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was brought to the Government Dental College for treatment and wants his case decided.

While he was being taken to the hospital amidst tight security, Rajoana said that he has spent nearly 30 years in prison, with 18 years on death row.

The mercy petition has also been pending for over 14 years.

"Even the Supreme Court has been asking the government for over five years to decide the matter. I want there to be no further delay and for the matter to be decided," said Rajoana.

A plea for commutation of his death sentence has been pending for years.

The Supreme Court recently criticised the delay and questioned why the execution had not been carried out.

The Union government, in its response, has argued that the mercy plea was filed by others, not Rajoana himself, which contributed to the delay.