Sukhbir Singh Badal Injured in Kirpan Attack at Nanded Gurdwara; Leaders Condemn Incident
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured on Thursday after being attacked with a kirpan at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The former Punjab deputy chief minister sustained a hand injury and was taken to a hospital, where his condition is reported to be stable.
The incident occurred around 1:45 pm at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat, according to police. A local official stated that Badal received two to three stitches for his injury. The alleged attacker, identified as a Nihang, was detained by authorities following the incident. SAD national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar also reported a possible injury to one of Badal's bodyguards, though police have not immediately confirmed this.
Political Leaders Demand Investigation and Accountability
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident and contacted Badal to enquire about his health. The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders across parties, who have raised concerns over security lapses and the preservation of peace.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, "Violence has no place, especially on the soil of our sacred Takhts." Former Union minister and senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu termed the incident a "cowardly attempt" on Badal's life and a direct threat to the peace and security of Punjab. Bittu called for the perpetrators to be punished and those responsible for the security lapse to be held accountable.
BJP national spokesperson R P Singh appealed to Chief Minister Fadnavis for a thorough and impartial investigation. Singh warned against allowing a return to the dark days of violence and militancy that Punjab has previously suffered, emphasizing that democratic institutions and the rule of law must be respected despite political differences.
Religious Leaders and SAD Raise Security Concerns
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj strongly condemned the attack, particularly because it took place inside a gurdwara complex. He noted that Badal and his family had visited Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Nanded earlier in the day to pay obeisance, where they were accorded due respect by the management.
"A true Sikh of the Guru could never attack any Sikh who had come to a gurdwara to pay obeisance," Gargajj said, adding that such actions undermine the dignity and sanctity of gurdwaras and damage the image of the Sikh community.
SAD national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar questioned how the security breach occurred despite Badal holding Z+ security cover. Talwar described the incident as an attack on the unity and integrity of Punjab. This incident follows a previous shooting attempt on Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in December 2024, where the attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, was overpowered and arrested.
