Sukhbir Singh Badal Injured in Gurdwara Knife Attack: What Happened?

Attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded Gurdwara

Nanded: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, sustained injuries during a knife attack at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, according to police reports.

The attack was carried out by a Nihang, a member of a Sikh martial order, who used a kirpan, a traditional curved dagger, against Badal, as stated by Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan.

The assailant has since been apprehended, the officer confirmed.

Badal was immediately transported to a medical facility where he received two to three stitches on his right hand and is currently reported to be out of danger.

During the incident, police officer Santosh Kendre, part of the special protection unit, was also injured while attempting to shield Badal.

The attack occurred at approximately 1:45 PM as Badal was descending the steps of the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji.

Earlier that day, Badal had visited the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded with his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who serves as an MP for the Akali Dal.

In response to the attack, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has initiated an investigation and reached out to Badal to inquire about his well-being.

Fadnavis has requested details from the Nanded Superintendent of Police and has instructed the police to look into the motives behind the attack.

Senior BJP leader R P Singh condemned the assault on Badal, labeling such violence as intolerable.

He urged Fadnavis to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation into the incident.

"I strongly condemn the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal Ji in Nanded. Such an act of violence is completely unacceptable and has no place whatsoever in a democratic society. Political differences and disagreements are a natural part of democracy, but resorting to violence can never be justified," Singh expressed in a post on X.

This incident is not the first time Badal has faced an attack. In December 2024, he narrowly escaped when a former Babbar Khalsa International terrorist opened fire at him near the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was subdued by bystanders and handed over to law enforcement.

At that time, Badal was performing 'sewadar' duty as a guard at the temple entrance after the Akal Takht had imposed a 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for alleged mistakes during his party's governance in Punjab.