Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked on Thursday while visiting the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra. The former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister sustained an injury to his hand and was taken to a private hospital for treatment.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Badal completed his prayers and was making his way down the stairs of the gurdwara. According to sources, a Nihang Sikh allegedly approached him with a kirpan and attempted to attack him.
The situation was brought under control after security personnel accompanying Badal intervened. The attacker was prevented from reaching Badal and was subsequently taken into custody by the police.
The accused has been identified as Jaspal Singh. Sources said he had been working at the gurdwara for around two years. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possible motive behind the attack.
Badal’s wife and SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also present during the visit. Following the incident, footage showed Sukhbir Badal with his injured right hand covered with a saffron-coloured cloth.
Akali Dal sources said Badal’s injury was not life-threatening. He was taken to a private hospital in Nanded, where he received stitches on his hand. A security personnel deployed with Badal was also injured during the incident.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis contacted the Nanded Superintendent of Police following the attack and sought a detailed report on the incident. He also directed the police to investigate the circumstances and establish the motive behind the assault.
Previous Attack on Badal
The Nanded incident is not the first time Sukhbir Singh Badal has faced an alleged assassination attempt. On December 4, 2024, a gunman opened fire at him outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar while Badal was performing sewadar duties.
Badal escaped unharmed in that incident after the attacker was quickly overpowered and arrested.
The 2024 incident took place after the Akal Takht had imposed tankhah, a form of religious punishment, on Badal and several other Akali Dal leaders over alleged mistakes committed during the party’s rule in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.
Sukhbir Singh Badal currently has Z-plus security cover because of the threat perception surrounding him. The latest attack at the Nanded shrine has prompted renewed questions over security arrangements around the Akali Dal leader.
