Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The accused, Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant and active member of the pro-Khalistan organisation Dal Khalsa, fired a gunshot that missed Badal and struck a wall.
Badal, who was seated in a wheelchair with a fractured leg, was serving ‘tankhaiya’ (religious penance) at the temple’s entrance as ordered by the Akal Takht Sahib over alleged “sins” committed during the SAD government’s tenure from 2007 to 2017.
Holding a spear and dressed in a blue ‘sevadar’ uniform, Badal was performing seva (voluntary service) when the incident occurred.
Chaura, reportedly involved in multiple cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), first paid obeisance at the temple before attempting the attack.
Chaura was overpowered by bystanders and promptly arrested by Punjab Police.
ADCP Harpal Singh confirmed that Badal was unharmed, stating,
“There were proper security arrangements. The assailant attempted mischief but could not succeed.”
SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema expressed gratitude, saying,
“Jako Rakhe Saaiyan, Maar Sake Na Koy. Guru Nanak protected Sukhbirji. This is a serious incident. A high-level judicial enquiry must be conducted.”
Congress MP Manish Tewari told ANI,
“It is extremely sad and condemnable. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the biggest religious organisation for Sikhs and Sukhbir Singh Badal was completing his punishment but attacking him is highly condemnable.”
The incident raises concerns over Punjab’s security climate, with Cheema questioning the state government: “What era is Punjab being pushed into?”
Despite the attack, Badal and SAD leaders, including Bikram Singh Majithia, vowed to continue performing seva at the Golden Temple as a mark of penance.
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