Balwinder Singh Bittu, a key witness in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, is once again facing a serious security crisis. Alleging security lapses, he has submitted a memorandum to Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria, seeking his intervention. The Governor has forwarded his letter to the Home Secretary for immediate action. Balwinder Singh Bittu is the witness whose testimony led to the conviction of the perpetrators of the Beant Singh assassination. Consequently, he has faced constant threats from terrorists for the past two decades. The Punjab and Chandigarh police, as well as the Punjab and Haryana High Court, have repeatedly acknowledged his grave threat status.
In 2011, on the orders of the High Court, the Chandigarh Police provided him with a high level of security, including five personal security officers (PSOs), 14 guards deployed around the clock, escort motorcycles, and patrol vehicles outside his home. This security arrangement continued for years but has now been completely removed, increasing his concerns.
Appeal to the High Court
Faced with the lack of security, Bittu has also approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During the hearing, the Chandigarh Police assured the court that security would be provided to him soon, but no concrete action has been taken so far. The next hearing in the case will be held in the first week of December. Bittu’s lawyer, Nikhil Ghai, stated that Bittu told the High Court that the Chandigarh Police have not yet appointed security personnel for his protection. Furthermore, the Punjab Police personnel are often under the influence of drugs. He has appealed to the Chandigarh and Punjab Police several times, and the High Court has sought a response.
“My life is under constant threat”
In his latest representation, Balwinder Singh Bittu has demanded that his previous security—five PSOs, 14 guards, escort motorcycles, and constant patrolling—be immediately restored and that the UT Security Review Committee issue a new threat assessment of his current situation. This sensitive matter, coupled with the key witness’s security concerns, has once again raised questions about the functioning of the police and administration. All eyes are now on the upcoming High Court hearing and administrative action.
