Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a sharp weapon during a visit to a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday.
The incident took place at around 1.45 pm at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat, located within the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib complex. According to police, Badal was targeted during his visit to the religious site.
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The attacker was identified as Nihang Jaspal Singh Tejpal, who was detained by police shortly after the incident. Authorities have begun questioning him and are investigating the circumstances and motive behind the assault.
Badal suffered a minor injury to his right hand and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. He was reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.
Police Inspector Injured While Protecting Badal
Inspector Santosh Kendre, who was part of Badal’s security detail, was also injured during the incident while attempting to protect the SAD leader.
The police response led to the attacker being apprehended shortly after the assault. Officials are now examining how the attacker managed to approach Badal despite the security arrangements in place.
The incident has raised questions over the security arrangements for Badal, who is a former Punjab deputy chief minister and has been accorded Z+ security cover.
Maharashtra CM Orders Detailed Probe
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought a detailed report from the Nanded Superintendent of Police following the attack.
Fadnavis also spoke to Badal over the phone to enquire about his health. The state government has directed authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and determine whether there was any security lapse.
Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said authorities would examine whether there had been any lapse in Badal’s security. He said security had been provided according to the prescribed protocol but added that the circumstances at the site would be reviewed.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been established.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
The incident drew condemnation from across political circles.
SAD national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar described the assault as a serious security lapse. He said Badal was attacked while visiting the gurdwara and noted that a member of his security team was also injured while attempting to protect him.
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu also condemned the incident, saying violence has no place in a democratic society. He stressed that political disagreements cannot justify violence and urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon expressed concern over the incident at Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib and prayed for Badal’s speedy recovery. He said violence was particularly distressing at a sacred Sikh site associated with a message of peace, service and welfare.
Badal Was Targeted in 2024 Too
Thursday’s incident is the second reported attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal at a Sikh religious site in less than two years.
In December 2024, former Babbar Khalsa International terrorist and Khalistani activist Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Badal near the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
At the time, Badal was serving as a ‘sewadar’ as part of a religious punishment. The attacker fired at close range, but the shot missed Badal after a police officer intervened. Badal escaped unharmed in that incident.
The latest assault at Nanded has once again put the spotlight on the security of political leaders during visits to religious sites. Police are continuing their investigation into the attack and the motive of the accused.
