Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday while visiting the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib area with his family.
According to preliminary reports, the attacker, identified by sources as a Nihang Sikh, allegedly tried to assault Badal with a sharp-edged weapon. The assailant was quickly overpowered and taken into custody by security personnel.
Badal was taken to a private hospital in Nanded for treatment. Akali Dal sources said he suffered an injury to his hand and received stitches, but his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
Security Personnel Injured While Stopping Attack
According to preliminary information, the attacker allegedly attempted to strike Badal in the stomach. A security officer intervened and prevented the attack from causing more serious injuries.
A security personnel deployed with Badal, identified as Inspector Santosh Kendre, was also injured during the confrontation.
Video footage recorded after the incident showed Badal walking with a saffron cloth wrapped around his right hand.
Badal had visited Takht Sri Hazur Sahib earlier in the day with his family. His wife and SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also present when the attack took place.
Police have detained the alleged attacker and are investigating the circumstances and motive behind the incident.
Badal Faced Attack Outside Golden Temple in 2024
Thursday’s incident is the second reported attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in less than two years.
On December 4, 2024, Badal survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The gunman was overpowered by people nearby and arrested, while Badal escaped unharmed.
The 2024 attack took place while Badal was performing ‘sewadar’ duties at the Golden Temple after the Akal Takht had imposed tankhah, or religious punishment, on him and several other Akali Dal leaders over alleged “mistakes” during the party’s rule in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
Badal currently has Z-plus security cover because of a high threat perception. Thursday’s attack has again raised questions about security arrangements around political leaders at prominent religious sites.
