Ex-Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked in Maharashtra, rushed to hospital; attacker held

Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday. Sources said the attacker, identified as Jaspal Singh, a Nihang Sikh, allegedly tried to stab Badal with a kirpan.

The attacker was taken into custody after security personnel intervened.

Badal was at the famous gurdwara with his family and was walking down the stairs after offering prayers when the incident took place. His wife and Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also present.

Security personnel intervenes, attacker held

According to sources, the attacker attempted to stab Badal in the stomach but was stopped by security personnel deployed with the Akali Dal leader.

One of the security personnel was also injured during the incident.

Akali Dal sources said Badal suffered an injury to his hand and was taken to a private hospital in Nanded. His injury is not life-threatening, they said. Badal received stitches on his hand following the attack.

The attacker has been identified as Jaspal Singh. Sources said he had been working at the gurdwara for around two years.

A video recorded after the incident showed Badal walking with a saffron cloth wrapped around his right hand.

Fadnavis seeks details from police

Soon after the attack, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to the Nanded Superintendent of Police and sought details of the incident.

Fadnavis directed the police to investigate the motive behind the attack.

The incident comes months after Badal survived another alleged assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Badal survived Golden Temple attack in 2024

On December 4, 2024, a gunman attempted to attack Badal outside the Golden Temple while he was performing 'sewadar' duties. He escaped unharmed after the attacker was overpowered and arrested.

The incident occurred after the Akal Takht had pronounced 'tankhah', or religious punishment, against Badal and several other Akali Dal leaders over "mistakes" committed during the party's rule in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.

Badal currently has Z-plus security cover because of high threat perceptions.