LUDHIANA: Mr. Besant Singh Khalsa, Member of Parliament (SAD), who was killed here, last night in a road accident, was cremated this evening with full state honors. His son, Mr. Vikramjit Singh, grandson and gunman were injured in the mishap. The accident took place at midnight at Chowk Durga Mata Mandir, near the Jagraon over bridge, when the car driven by Mr. Khalsa’s son was hit by a “Matador” at the intersection. Mr. Khalsa was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and hospital where he was declared dead. His son, grandson and gunman were admitted with serious injuries. Mr. Khalsa ‘was returning to his house after attending a marriage party. He was 63 and is survived by his wife, one son and three daughters.
As the news of Mr. Khalsa’s death spread, leaders of venous political parties, social organizations and citizens nished to his house at Ghumar Mandi. Mr. Gurcharan Singh Tohra, SGPC chief, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, SAD president Mr. Jagdev Singh Bamala were among those who called at Mr. Khalsa’s residence and expressed sympathies with the bereaved family. The funeral procession of Mr. Khalsa Started from his house and reached the Model Town Extension crematorium where a contingent of the Punjab Police reversed arms and the last post was sounded. Wreaths were laid on the body of Mr. Khalsa by Mr. Badal, Mr. Tohra, Mr. Hamada’s Johar, Punjab Speaker, Mr. Jagdey Singh Talwandi, Mr Barnala, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Ishar Singh, and Minister of State for Science.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1996
