Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was reportedly attacked with a kirpan at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur on the outskirts of Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday.
Badal sustained an injury to his hand in the incident and was subsequently taken to Yashosai Hospital for medical attention.
According to reports, the attack took place when Badal was heading towards the langar hall after paying obeisance at the gurdwara. A Nihang reportedly attacked him with a kirpan.
The gurdwara is located around 15 km from the main Gurdwara Nanded Sahib, one of the five Takhts, or temporal seats, of Sikhism. It is reportedly managed by a Nihang samparday and is not under the administration of the board overseeing the main Nanded Sahib gurdwara.
A video circulating after the incident appeared to show Badal walking inside a building with a saffron-coloured cloth wrapped around his right hand.
Badal Was In Nanded With Family
Badal had arrived in Nanded on Wednesday along with his wife, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, family members and close associates. He was reportedly on a three-day visit to the city.
The incident triggered condemnation from political leaders, with BJP spokesperson RP Singh describing the attack as “completely unacceptable”.
Singh stressed that violence has no place in a democratic society and recalled the painful history of violence and militancy in Punjab.
He also prayed for Badal’s safety and speedy recovery.
Second Attack On Sukhbir Badal In Less Than Two Years
The Nanded incident comes less than two years after Badal survived an alleged assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
On December 4, 2024, former militant Narain Singh Chaura allegedly fired at Badal from close range while he was at the entrance of the shrine.
A security personnel intervened and grabbed the firearm, causing the bullet to miss Badal and strike the shrine wall. No one was injured in that incident, while Chaura was subsequently overpowered and arrested.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thursday’s attack and establish the motive and sequence of events.
