Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked in Maharashtra's Nanded (Img: X)
Nanded: Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday issued his first public reaction after surviving a suspected assassination attempt at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded. The former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, who suffered a serious hand injury in the kirpan attack on Thursday, said he was not scared and would continue his public life. The attack raised concerns over security protocols, threat assessment systems and the safety of public figures during religious visits.
Badal appeared outside the hospital with his injured right hand in a cast and informed supporters about his recovery. He said his health condition was stable after medical treatment and expressed gratitude for divine blessings.
The SAD president maintained that he was neither afraid nor disturbed by the attack. He indicated that forces opposing peace and political stability in Punjab and the country may be unhappy with the role of the Shiromani Akali Dal. Badal’s statement came a day after the attack, when supporters, party workers and political leaders expressed concern over his safety.
The incident occurred at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat on the outskirts of Nanded city in Maharashtra. According to police officials, the attacker allegedly approached Badal and attacked him using a kirpan, a traditional Sikh weapon. Security personnel immediately reacted and prevented further escalation.
Badal was rushed to Yashosai Hospital in Nanded, where doctors treated his injuries. The incident created panic among those present at the religious complex and led to an immediate security review. The attack also drew attention because Badal had earlier survived another security incident near the Golden Temple entrance in Amritsar in December 2024.
Medical experts treating Sukhbir Singh Badal confirmed that he underwent a surgery lasting around 90 minutes following the attack. Doctors said the SAD chief suffered a sharp penetrating wound along with tendon damage in his right hand. The medical team repaired the injured tendon, while specialists also carried out treatment involving the ulnar artery and nerve.
Doctors confirmed that Badal was out of danger and his condition remained stable after the procedure. Hospital authorities later indicated that he would be discharged and could travel back to Punjab after completing medical formalities.
After the attack, security arrangements around Sukhbir Singh Badal were increased. Senior police officials began reviewing the security lapses and circumstances that allowed the incident to take place inside the gurdwara premises.
Special Inspector General of Police (SPU) Praveen Kumar Padwal is scheduled to review the investigation progress in Nanded and assess the security arrangements. Investigators are currently collecting evidence, recording statements of witnesses and examining the sequence of events before and during the attack.
The police have not yet established the exact motive behind the assault and are investigating whether the accused acted alone or if there was any larger conspiracy.
The accused has been identified as Jaspal Singh, a resident of Pune, who was working as a sewadar at the gurdwara for nearly two years. Police officials said the accused is around 60 to 62 years old and has educational qualifications in commerce and law. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly staying alone in Nanded.
Investigators are analysing his personal background, previous activities, possible associations and the circumstances that may have triggered the attack.
A criminal case has been registered against the accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or means, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt to a public servant to prevent the person from performing official duties.
The investigation will involve forensic examination, witness statements, evidence collection and legal proceedings according to criminal procedure guidelines.
Following the attack, Sukhbir Badal’s wife and SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal visited a gurdwara in Nanded to offer prayers. She participated in religious ceremonies, including Akhand Path and Ardas, and later performed seva at the langar along with her daughter. Her visit came as the Badal family thanked supporters and sought prayers for Sukhbir Singh Badal’s recovery.
