In June 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military assault on Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) and 40 other Sikh shrines, aiming to suppress the Sikh movement for equal rights in India. Believing this act would subdue the Sikh community for decades, she assumed it would secure her control over the country by suppressing the Sikh minority. However, she was gravely mistaken. Within just four months of Operation Blue Star, on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards, Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Beant Singh. In connection with the assassination, the Indian government also charged Bhai Kehar Singh, accusing him of being the mastermind behind the plot.
Birth and Early Life
Bhai Kehar Singh was born on 15th October 1935 in the village of Mustafabad, Tehsil Bassi Pathana, in the district of Fatehgarh Sahib, which was then part of the Patiala State, at the house of Sardar Atma Singh (1880-1972).
He was born into a ‘Julaha’ Gursikh family, deeply devoted to Sikhism and active in movements such as the Akali Movement during that time. As a child, Bhai Kehar Singh was known for his quiet and humble nature, always eager to engage in Guru Sewa (service to the Guru). He took Amrit (Sikh baptism) at a young age and remained steadfast in his commitment to daily Nitnem (Sikh prayers) until his martyrdom.
Anand Karaj
Bhai Kehar Singh’s elder brother passed away at an early age after a few years of his marriage. After Bhai Kehar Singh’s elder brother passed away, his brother’s widow, Bibi Jagir Kaur, and their son, Rajinder Singh, were left without support. The elders of the family decided that Bhai Kehar Singh should marry Bibi Jagir Kaur to provide stability and a better future for her and her son. Bhai Kehar Singh readily accepted this decision and lovingly raised his brother’s child as his own.
Bhai Kehar Singh and Bibi Jagir Kaur were blessed with five sons and two daughters, including Bhai Rajinder Singh, Bhai Charanjit Singh, Bhai Hardeep Singh, and Bhai Satwant Singh Pappi.
Delhi Job
Bhai Kehar Singh received his education at a government school in Bassi Pathana, located in the Fatehgarh Sahib district. In 1955, he relocated to Delhi in search of employment. Initially, he stayed at his maternal aunt’s (Massi Ji’s) home in Sarojini Nagar. After securing a position in the Directorate General of Supply and Disposal (DGS & D), he moved with his family to Krishna Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, where all of Bhai Kehar Singh’s children were born.
In 1971, he obtained a government-reserved two-room apartment at House Number 171, Sector 12, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, where his family resided until 1986.
Bhai Kehar Singh held a respected position within the DGS & D, a central government department. He was well-regarded for his honesty and dedication, consistently demonstrating punctuality and a commitment to completing his responsibilities. Unlike many of his colleagues, he preferred to spend his lunch breaks walking to nearby Bangla Sahib or Rakab Ganj Sahib, just 15–20 minutes from his office, where he engaged in kirtan and performed sewa. His job was obtained through a reservation quota.
His elder son, Bhai Rajinder Singh, served as an officer in the Ministry of Law and Justice in New Delhi. Despite his professional achievements, Bhai Kehar Singh maintained a profound connection to his faith, prioritizing spirituality and devotion as integral aspects of his daily life.
Devoted Gursikh
Bhai Kehar Singh was highly respected at his office in Delhi, where colleagues affectionately addressed him as “Singh Sahib”—a title reflecting the high regard he earned. He was deeply devoted to his Guru and the Guru Ghar (Sikh temple). Bhai Kehar Singh never missed his daily ‘Nitnem’ (prayers).
An Amritdhari Sikh since his early years, Bhai Kehar Singh instilled the same values in his children, ensuring they were also baptized into Sikhism. Living outside Punjab, he took extra care to preserve his family’s connection to their roots, personally teaching his children to read and write Punjabi, complementing what they learned in school. His devotion extended to regular sewa (service) at the Gurdwara, where he would voluntarily take the early-morning duty for Akhand Path Sahib, offering his service during hours most would avoid, to deepen his bond with the Guru.
Before going to the office on his scooter, Bhai Kehar Singh would perform the darshan of the Guru at Gurudwara Sahib in Sector 09 of RK Puram. He would listen to the ‘Guru ka Mukhwak’ before heading to work. As an Amritdhari Gursikh, he always kept his beard neatly tied, reflecting his commitment to Sikh values. His profound love for his faith and the significance of his beard is poignantly illustrated in his last request before his execution. He asked the hangman, “Please ensure that my beard’s hairs won’t be damaged during the hanging.” This sentiment serves as a poignant reminder for our younger generation, many of whom trim their beards in pursuit of modernization, losing touch with the cherished gifts bestowed upon them by their Guru.
Relationship with Bhai Beant Singh
Bhai Kehar Singh, lovingly called “Fuffar Ji” by Bhai Beant Singh, held a close familial bond with him. Bhai Kehar Singh’s wife, Bibi Jagir Kaur, was the sister of Bhai Beant Singh’s father, Sardar Sucha Singh, making Bhai Kehar Singh an elder figure in Beant Singh’s life.
When Bhai Beant Singh moved to Delhi in 1972, he initially stayed with Bhai Kehar Singh until he could secure his own residence. Later, during Beant Singh’s wedding to Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa on January 23, 1976, Bhai Kehar Singh took on the role of a guiding elder, organizing the wedding arrangements with a fatherly devotion. Often, Bhai Beant Singh’s wife would leave her children at Bhai Sahib’s house in the morning and take them back after finishing her job. Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh would often attend family marriages and functions together.
As a committed Gursikh, Bhai Kehar Singh was profoundly affected by the events of Operation Blue Star, feeling deeply for the Panth and the Sikh martyrs. At that time, Bhai Beant Singh was more focused on his personal life. Seeing this, Bhai Kehar Singh made it a priority to educate Beant Singh on the suffering inflicted by Indira Gandhi’s administration, including the violence and loss of life among Sikhs at Darbar Sahib. Through thoughtful conversations, he instilled in Beant Singh a sense of duty to remember and honor the sacrifices made by their community. This guidance proved transformative, stirring Beant Singh’s awareness and commitment to the Sikh cause.
Operation Blue Star —June 1984
In early June 1984, Indira Gandhi authorized a military operation targeting the Sikhs’ most revered site, Sri Darbar Sahib, leading to extensive damage to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. This assault, which saw the martyrdom of countless Sikhs, including children and women, sent shockwaves through the Sikh community.
Bhai Kehar Singh, a man of strong principles, was deeply affected by the army attack. A regular reader, he followed newspapers and magazines in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, tracking reports of the army’s actions during Operation Blue Star. Bhai Kehar Singh also visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib daily, where a poster board displayed images of the damaged Akal Takhat Sahib building and the aftermath of Operation Blue Star. Among these images were heart-wrenching photographs showing the bodies of Sikh Sangat in the parikrama of Sri Darbar Sahib.
These images weighed heavily on Bhai Kehar Singh, profoundly impacting his outlook. He grew more introspective, often contemplating the gravity of the event and how Sikhs might respond to such an assault on their faith and community.
At home, he shared these accounts with his wife and children, detailing the assault’s impact on their sacred site. Meanwhile, Bhai Beant Singh, who was initially focused on his own affairs, began to listen to the stories his “Fuffar Ji” shared. This exposure to the events surrounding Operation Blue Star gradually stirred a sense of awareness and deep concern in Bhai Beant Singh, shaping his understanding of the sacrifices made by their community.
Letter of Bhai Kehar Singh —July 02, 1984
After nearly a month following Operation Blue Star, Bhai Kehar Singh penned a heartfelt letter to his brother-in-law, conveying his unwavering spirit. In his letter, he expressed:
“Do not think that due to this Saka (Operation Blue Star), the Panth could be finished; rather, it will rise Panth even stronger.” — Bhai Kehar Singh, 02 July 1984
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Falcon —July-August 1984
In July-August 1984, reports emerged from various areas about sightings of falcons, symbols of kingship and supremacy. In Sikh beliefs, the falcon is regarded as a messenger conveying the teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Whenever there is turmoil in the Sikh community, the appearance of the falcon signifies Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s message to fight against oppression, ultimately leading to the defeat of the oppressors.
Following the military assault by the Indian government on Sri Harmandir Sahib during the tragic events of June 1984, the eagle associated with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was seen at numerous Gurdwaras across Punjab. This majestic bird perched on the Nishan Sahib platform of the Gurdwara Sahib, where Sikh congregations gathered for blessings and the commencement of the Akhand Path from Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees offered prashad (religious offering) after prayers, and the falcon, seizing the offering, gracefully flew away—an occurrence frequently witnessed in Punjab.
After June 1984, the falcon was spotted at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi, perching on the Thara Sahib of the Nishan Sahib. A large number of Sikhs gathered to witness this divine sight, including Shaheed Bhai Har Singh Mustafabad, who was returning in the evening after experiencing the spiritual presence of the falcon.
It was a Sunday when Bhai Beant Singh met his Fuffar (uncle), saying, “Fuffar Ji, you used to return promptly from Gurudwara Sahib after prayers. I visited you twice, but you were not available.”
Bhai Kehar Singh, a proponent of Sikh religious ideologies and warrior principles, replied, “Beant Singh! Today, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s falcon visited Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, and I spent the entire day seeking blessings. You should have come for darshan too.”
Beant Singh responded, “Fuffar Ji, you are too credulous. Who’s to say that was Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s falcon? What if a mere sparrow perched on the banner? Sikhs would create a frenzy! People like you spread rumors, worsening the situation in Punjab. The government took strict control because of this, and now we’re suffering. I don’t believe in such things.”
Bhai Kehar Singh emphasized the significance of the hawk, asserting, “Beant Singh, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s hawk is challenging us Sikhs. It serves as a call to action, warning us of dire consequences if we remain passive.”
The following day, when Bhai Beant Singh was on duty at the Indira Gandhi Residence, a falcon flew and perched on a nearby tree. Bhai Beant Singh felt as if that falcon had come to deliver a message, urging him to take responsibility for avenging the destruction of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Prof. Darshan Singh Ragi Kirtan —August 04, 1984
On August 4, 1984, Bhai Kehar Singh and Bhai Beant Singh attended a kirtan samagam at Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib, where Prof. Darshan Singh Ragi delivered an impactful kirtan. Through his Katha, he shared stories of the Akal Takht martyrs and the Sikh sacrifices during Operation Blue Star. The occasion was especially stirring as it was held just days before the upcoming ‘Rakhri’ festival on August 11, symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters. Prof. Darshan Singh touched the sangat deeply, saying, “Next weekend is Rakhri, a festival celebrating the love between brothers and sisters. But what about the sisters who lost their brothers at Darbar Sahib during Operation Blue Star? Those Shaheed Singhs were also brothers to their sisters. Aren’t their sisters still waiting for their brothers?”
The sangat was moved, many with tears in their eyes. Bhai Beant Singh, also overwhelmed, began to weep. Sitting directly behind him, Bhai Kehar Singh lovingly patted his back and gently encouraged him, advising him not to mourn but to channel his emotions toward seeking justice for the atrocities committed. This moment significantly impacted Bhai Beant Singh, deepening his resolve and commitment to the Sikh cause.
Birthday Party —Mid-September 1984
In mid-September 1984, a birthday party was held at the residence of Bhai Ujagar Singh Sandhu in Moti Bagh to celebrate the birthday of his grandson. Bhai Beant Singh attended the party with his wife, Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa, although he had not received a direct invitation from Bhai Ujagar Singh Sandhu. His attendance was at the suggestion of Bhai Kehar Singh. During the party, discussions and speeches regarding the Sikh community’s situation following Operation Blue Star were prominent. Bhai Kehar Singh delivered a revolutionary speech that deeply resonated with Bhai Beant Singh and stirred his heart.
Amrit Sanchar ceremony for Bhai Beant Singh —October 14, 1984
After Operation Blue Star, Bhai Beant Singh regularly visited Bhai Kehar Singh’s son, Bhai Rajinder Singh, who was a good friend. They often enjoyed drinks together. Bhai Beant Singh regarded Bhai Kehar Singh as his religious mentor due to his profound knowledge of Sikh philosophy and history.
Once, Bhai Beant Singh asked Bhai Kehar Singh, “Fuffar Ji, will Waheguru send a Sukha Singh and Mehtab Singh—those famed Sikhs who killed Massa Rangarh in response to his attacks on Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib—to avenge the desecration of Sri Darbar Sahib?” As he spoke, he handed his uncle a book about the now-revered Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Bhai Kehar Singh replied, “Do not grieve. If you truly love Sikhi, understand that giving your head and taking a head for Sikhi is equally significant. After all, someone must be the son of Sukha Singh and Mehtab Singh. They took Khande ki Pahul Amrit from Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, then confronted Massa Rangarh to stop the desecration of Sri Darbar Sahib, thereby becoming legends in Sikh history. We need to remember them and strive to emulate their valor.”
These words resonated deeply with Bhai Beant Singh, and within days, he decided to accept the gift of Amrit. On October 14, 1984, he left his home wearing a kurta pajama and a flowing beard. He went to Bhai Kehar Singh’s house at House Number 171, Sector 12, R.K. Puram, handed over his gold kara and ring, and then proceeded to Gurudwara Sector 6, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, where he received “Amrit di daat.”
After the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the police recovered the gold kara and ring from Bhai Kehar Singh’s house. During the court proceedings, the prosecutor alleged that Bhai Kehar Singh had accompanied Bhai Beant Singh during his Amrit Sanchar ceremony.
Additionally, Bhai Kehar Singh accompanied Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa (the wife of Bhai Beant Singh) on October 17, 1984, and Bhai Satwant Singh on October 24, 1984, in Amrit Sanchar Ceremony.
Amritsar Visit —October 20, 1984
On October 20, 1984, Bhai Kehar Singh, accompanied by his wife Bibi Jagir Kaur, Bhai Beant Singh, and his wife Bibi Bimal Kaur Khalsa, along with their children, visited Amritsar. Initially, Bhai Kehar Singh and Bhai Beant Singh intended to go alone, but the women insisted on joining them. During this visit, they planned to meet Bhai Satwant Singh and perform an Ardaas before the action of Indira Gandhi’s actions. However, for various reasons, Bhai Satwant Singh was unable to join them.
Bhai Kehar Singh and Bhai Beant Singh along with their family arrived in Amritsar around 2 to 3 PM on October 20. They stayed with a family relative and visited Sri Darbar Sahib in the evening. While the women and children listened to kirtan, Bhai Kehar Singh and Bhai Beant Singh went to pay their respects at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
At that time, the damaged building of Akal Takht Sahib was refurbished by the government through ‘Sarkari Kar Sewa,’ led by Nihang Santa Singh. The current Akal Takht Sahib was constructed by hired contractors. Harbans Singh, a professor at Khalsa College and a notable figure in Chief Khalsa Diwan, openly supported the attack on Darbar Sahib, which resulted in his son Tejwant Singh’s company, ‘Skippers,’ being awarded the contract to rebuild Akal Takht Sahib.
The government contractor hastily erected the structure using labor from Bihar, which deeply aggrieved the Sikh community, who had a tradition of performing Kar Sewa at holy sites. Historically, Sikhs had rebuilt their shrines whenever tyrants had razed them. Disappointed, the Sikhs looked forward to the day when they could demolish this ‘government-built Akal Takht Sahib’ and reconstruct it from scratch using the resources of the Panth. (Later, the Sikhs did demolish this structure on January 26, 1986.)
During their time in Amritsar, Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh often isolated themselves from the women and children, listening to local stories about Operation Blue Star and the atrocities committed by the Indian Army. They assembled in front of Akal Takht Sahib and performed an ardaas:
“Oh, Akal Purukh, grant strength to your Sikhs so that we may bring justice to Indira Gandhi for her sins, responsible for the desecration of this holy place…”
The next morning, on October 21, Bhai Kehar Singh and Bhai Beant Singh woke up early during the ‘Amrit vela’ and informed the women that they would attend ‘Assa ki War’ at Darbar Sahib. The women left for Darbar Sahib at 8 AM along with their relatives and children. They returned home around 11 AM, but Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh did not return with them. Instead, they reunited with the women and children at the Amritsar Railway Station. Bhai Kehar Singh and Beant Singh purchased a cassette and a photo of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. They all returned to Delhi on October 21, 1984.
Indira Gandhi Assassination —October 31, 1984
On October 31, 1984, Bhai Beant Singh and Satwant Singh assassinated Indira Gandhi at her residence. Around 9:10 AM, Indira Gandhi was walking from her residence at 1, Safdarjung Road, to her office at 1, Akbar Road. The two buildings were connected by a narrow cement pathway and separated by a gate known as the “TMC Gate.”
Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Satwant Singh, both members of Indira Gandhi’s security detail, manipulated their duties on the day of the assassination. Beant Singh was stationed at the TMC Gate, while Satwant Singh, who was supposed to be positioned elsewhere, used an excuse to be near the gate, claiming he was suffering from dysentery.
As Indira Gandhi approached the TMC Gate, she was accompanied by several attendants, including her head constable, who held an umbrella. Bhai Beant Singh, positioned on the left side of the gate, and Bhai Satwant Singh, on the right, were waiting for her to pass through. When she neared the gate, Beant Singh pulled out his service revolver and fired five rounds at her. Immediately afterward, Bhai Satwant Singh opened fire with his SAF carbine, firing 25 rounds. Indira Gandhi fell to the ground after being struck by multiple bullets.
Following the shooting, both Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Satwant Singh discarded their weapons at the scene. They were quickly apprehended by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and confined to a guard room. During a heated exchange, Bhai Satwant Singh seized an officer’s Sten gun, prompting the officers to open fire. Bhai Beant Singh shielded Bhai Satwant Singh, taking most of the gunfire. Bhai Beant Singh succumbed to his injuries, while Bhai Satwant Singh, though critically wounded, survived.
Aftermath Indira Gandhi’s assassination
“Whosoever takes confrontation with the Panth will meet the same fate” – Bhai Kehar Singh
During the trial of Bhai Kehar Singh, it was noted that on the day of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, he was present at his job as an assistant in the Office of the Director General of Supplies and Disposals in New Delhi. Indira Gandhi was assassinated around 9:10 AM, and by approximately 10 AM, the news spread across Delhi like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.
Around 10:45 AM, Bhai Kehar Singh’s colleague, Nand Lal Mehta, met him on the third floor of their office and shared the news that “somebody” had shot Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In response, Bhai Kehar Singh remarked, “Whosoever takes confrontation with the Panth will meet the same fate.”
The prosecution alleged that at that time, there was no specific information available to the public indicating that a Sikh had shot the Prime Minister. Unless Bhai Kehar Singh had prior knowledge, his reaction to those words was questionable. During the trial, these statements were presented as evidence against Bhai Kehar Singh, implicating him as a co-conspirator in Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
Bhai Kehar Singh did not care about his personal life or any other consequences. Although the marriage of his elder son was scheduled for November 11, 1984, he did not let this personal event deter him from carrying out the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
After Indira Gandhi’s assassination, a well-planned Sikh genocide was unleashed across Delhi and other major cities in India, including Kanpur, Agra, and Mumbai. On October 1, 1984, Bhai Kehar Singh visited Gurudwara Sahib in Sector 9, RK Puram, as part of his daily routine. There, he encountered a mob that was actively seeking out Sikhs to kill. Initially, Bhai Kehar Singh confronted the mob in an attempt to stop them, but when he felt threatened, he narrowly escaped by hiding in the apartment of a kind Hindu family. Bhai Kehar Singh’s family was saved from the riotous Hindu mob by a Hindu neighbor’s family, who sheltered them until the army rescued them on October 4.
Arrest and Trial
On November 2, 1984, around 7-8 AM, a police jeep arrived at Bhai Kehar Singh’s residence at 171, Sector 12, RK Puram, leading to his arrest along with his wife, Bibi Jagir Kaur. The police had detained all family members of Bhai Beant Singh, Bhai Kehar Singh, and Bhai Satwant Singh, holding them at Yamuna Velodrome.
Bhai Kehar Singh and his wife were taken to the interrogation center at Delhi’s Red Fort, where they faced severe torture as the authorities sought to uncover a conspiracy theory. Initially, the police suspected that Indira Gandhi’s assassination might have been motivated by financial gain or foreign government involvement. However, they eventually recognized it as a conflict rooted in the Sikh community’s struggle.
Bhai Kehar Singh endured nearly a month of interrogation before being presented to Justice S.L. Khanna at the Tis Hazari Sessions Court on December 1, 1984. The court granted custody of Bhai Kehar Singh until December 5, 1984. On that date, he was brought back before Justice S.L. Khanna, who extended his custody until December 15, 1984, for further investigation.
The government also arrested Bhai Satwant Singh and S. Balbir Singh as part of the investigation. Ultimately, Bhai Satwant Singh, Bhai Kehar Singh, and S. Balbir Singh were convicted of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), in conjunction with Section 120-B. Bhai Satwant Singh faced additional charges under Section 307 of the IPC and Section 27 of the Arms Act. While S. Balbir Singh was released due to insufficient evidence, both Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh received death sentences for their alleged roles in the incident.
Family Struggle
At the time of Bhai Kehar Singh’s arrest, his family was enduring significant challenges. His elder son, Bhai Rajinder Singh, and his elder daughter were already married—Bhai Rajinder residing in Sector 5, RK Puram, and his daughter in Patiala. Meanwhile, Bhai Kehar Singh’s four other sons and one daughter were living with him in a modest two-room home in Sector 12, RK Puram.
Bhai Kehar Singh’s wife, Bibi Jagir Kaur, was also arrested alongside him on November 2, 1984. She endured severe torture during her captivity and was eventually released on November 17, 1984, only to be unceremoniously placed on a bus back to her village, Maloya, Mohali.
Bhai Rajinder Singh, an officer in the Ministry of Law and Justice in New Delhi, worked tirelessly to support his father’s case through legal channels. However, as a consequence of his efforts, he was falsely charged under the National Security Act (NSA) on May 2, 1985, and imprisoned for a year, an attempt by authorities to thwart his father’s legal defense.
During this period, Bhai Kehar Singh’s younger sons faced their own struggles. Bhai Satwant Singh, a college student at the time, had to drop out of school to take on the responsibility of managing his father’s case. Bhai Kehar Singh’s son, Bhai Satwant Singh, put aside his college studies to focus on his father’s case. He, along with his elderly mother, visited numerous government offices, seeking avenues for Bhai Kehar Singh’s release.
The police subjected Bhai Kehar Singh’s family to relentless harassment. They would often arrive late at night to conduct interrogations, repetitively asking the same questions. Despite threats to their lives, Bibi Jagir Kaur remained steadfast, ensuring the safety and unity of her family. Even after Bhai Kehar Singh’s martyrdom, the police continued their oppressive tactics, relentlessly targeting his family with ongoing harassment and interrogation.
Evidence Against Bhai Kehar Singh
Throughout the trial, the police failed to provide any direct or solid evidence that could justify Bhai Kehar Singh’s conviction for the death penalty. Following are the major circumstantial evidence provided by the prosecution about Bhai Kehar Singh’s involvement:
- Religious Influence: Bhai Kehar Singh was accused of instigating religious fanaticism in Beant Singh and Satwant Singh. He was alleged to have played a significant role in strengthening their resolve to avenge the damage to the Akal Takht during Operation Blue Star.
- Amrit Ceremony: It was claimed that Kehar Singh arranged for Beant Singh and Satwant Singh to undergo the Amrit Chakhan ceremony (a religious initiation) shortly before the assassination, which was interpreted as a motivating factor for their violent actions.
- Visit to Golden Temple: Bhai Kehar Singh reportedly took Bhai Beant Singh to the Golden Temple in Amritsar in October 1984. This visit was seen as part of his influence in shaping Beant Singh’s motivations for the assassination.
- Conspiracy: The prosecution argued that Bhai Kehar Singh had a conspiratorial role by encouraging and reinforcing the religious and political beliefs that led to the assassination, although no direct physical involvement in the assassination was proven.
- Bhai Beant Singh’s Gold Kara and Ring: These items were found at Bhai Kehar Singh’s house. These were removed and handed over to Bhai Kehar Singh before Bhai Beant Singh took ‘Amrit di Daat’. The police stated that this was proof that Bhai Kehar Singh was fully aware of Bhai Beant Singh’s intentions of becoming ‘Amritdhari’ before the assassination.
- Incriminating Articles: Several incriminating articles were recovered from Bhai Kehar Singh’s home and office. A Gurmukhi pamphlet with the heading “Indira de Sikh” was found in the drawer of his office table. This pamphlet contained a vitriolic attack on Indira Gandhi. However, despite being printed material, there was no evidence that Bhai Kehar Singh was its author or that he had any connection to it.
- Secret Meetings: There were allegations of secret meetings between Bhai Kehar Singh, Bhai Beant Singh, and Bhai Satwant Singh prior to Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
Last Meeting —January 5, 1989
Bhai Kehar Singh and Bhai Satwant Singh were scheduled for execution at 8 AM on January 6, 1989, as ordered by the Indian Supreme Court. In preparation, high security was enforced around Tihar Jail, with all surrounding roads blocked to prevent anyone from approaching.
On January 5, 1989, the jail department permitted the families of both Singhs to meet them one last time, allowing visits from 7 PM until midnight. Only two family members were allowed to see Bhai Kehar Singh at any given time, resulting in turn-by-turn meetings.
During this final encounter, Bhai Kehar Singh appeared remarkably relaxed. He engaged in light-hearted conversations with his family, sharing jokes and stories, seemingly unfazed by the imminent execution scheduled for the following morning. Their discussions revolved around family matters, reflecting a sense of calm amidst the gravity of the situation.
Bhai Kehar Singh expressed a heartfelt wish to be cremated in his village of Mustafabad, located in the district of Fatehgarh Sahib. However, the police categorically denied this request.
Shaheedi Day —January 6, 1989
On January 6, 1989, heavy rainfall enveloped the atmosphere, as if nature were offering fervent homage to Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh, expressing deep reverence. The sentiments of the entire nation were intertwined with the fate of these courageous individuals, who bore the weight of the Sikh community’s aspirations and struggles. At four o’clock in the morning, the authorities brought the two Singhs to the gallows, marking a solemn moment.
Bhai Kehar Singh’s profound love for his faith and the significance he attached to his beard is poignantly illustrated in his last request before his execution.
As he stood at the gallows, Bhai Kehar Singh asked the hangman, “Please ensure that my beard’s hairs won’t be damaged during the hanging.”
This final wish reflected his unwavering devotion to Sikh principles, even in his last moments.
As Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh chanted “Jo Bole So Nihal,” the echoes of “Sat Sri Akal” resonated among all the other prisoners. Their families, hearing the chants, also joined in, chanting slogans of “Jo Bole So Nihal” and “Sat Sri Akal.” The execution was reminiscent of the British government’s refusal to return the bodies of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev to their families. Those martyrs were cremated on the banks of the Sutlej River, with their ashes dispersed into the water. Similarly, the bodies of Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh were not handed over to their families but were cremated within the jail premises.
Aftermath of Shaheedi
When the cremation ceremony for the two Singhs commenced, the rain had ceased, as if nature were honoring the martyrs on that day. However, amidst this tribute, the ruling authorities were engulfed in the flames of communalism. Their reluctance to surrender the bodies of the martyrs betrayed a lack of compassion. Lawyer S. Rupinder Singh Sodhi expressed that while he understood the government’s animosity towards those involved in Indira Gandhi’s murder, their antagonism towards the deceased remained inexplicable.
Under pressure, the authorities were compelled to scatter the ashes in Haridwar, disregarding public sentiment. At midnight at 2 AM, During this poignant moment, two members of each family were coerced into police vehicles for the final cremation of the martyrs’ floral tributes into the river at Haridwar. From Bhai Kehar Singh’s family, his sons Bhai Rajinder Singh and Bhai Harjot Singh accompanied the police, while from Bhai Satwant Singh’s family, his father, Bapu Tarlok Singh, and another family member went to Haridwar for the final cremation.
Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh were martyred by the Indian government. Physically, both Singhs were no more, but the rulers could not erase the enduring legacy of these martyrs, who have ingrained themselves in the hearts of Sikhs. The profound love and devotion of the Sikh community towards Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh, Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh, and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh were evident in every city, village, and street where Sikhs resided, as they organized Sri Akhand Path Sahib ceremonies to commemorate their martyrs. These three Shaheed Singhs were revered as eminent martyrs of the Khalsa Panth, upholding the honor and dignity of the community.
Honors and Death Anniversaries
In 2003, a Bhog ceremony was conducted at Akal Takhat in Amritsar, where tributes were paid to Bhai Beant Singh, Bhai Satwant Singh, and Bhai Kehar Singh. The following year, their death anniversary was commemorated once more at Akal Takhat, attended by representatives from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal, and the head priest of Akal Takhat, who honored families of Bhai Beant Singh, Bhai Satwant Singh, and Bhai Kehar Singh.
On January 6, 2008, Akal Takhat, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, officially recognized Bhai Kehar Singh and the other assassins of Indira Gandhi as martyrs of Sikhism. The SGPC paid tribute to Bhai Beant Singh, Bhai Satwant Singh, and Bhai Kehar Singh, referring to them as “martyrs of the Sikh nation.”
Furthermore, the Shiromani Akali Dal designated their death anniversary on October 31, 2008, as a day of martyrdom.
Written by the Editor and Admin of June84.com with reference of Shaheed’s family and inmates. This article is the property of June84.com; no blog or website is allowed to reproduce, distribute, or use this content without explicit permission.