Former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked by Nihang near Nanded gurdwara; suffers hand injury
Attack Incident Details
Theindiapostdaily.com – Former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Shiromani Akali Dal president, sustained injuries during an attack near Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra on Thursday. The incident occurred around 1:45 pm when a Nihang assailant targeted the political leader inside the gurdwara premises. Badal suffered an injury to his right hand during the confrontation, and his security guard was also hurt in the altercation.
Following the attack, Badal was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Nanded for medical treatment. A viral video captured the former deputy chief minister walking inside a building with a cloth wrapped around his injured right hand, demonstrating his resilience despite the assault. The incident has drawn significant attention from political circles and media outlets across India.
Hours before the attack, Badal had been visiting the prestigious Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded along with his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who serves as an Akali Dal member of parliament. During his visit, the SAD president shared a video on social media platform X, expressing his devotion. His post read: "At Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, I bowed my head along with my family and offered an Ardas for the well-being of all. May Guru Sahib place a merciful hand upon the entire world."
Political Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally contacted Harsimrat Kaur Badal over the phone to inquire about Sukhbir Singh Badal's health condition. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a comprehensive investigation into the attack and reportedly spoke with the injured leader, who confirmed he was stable following medical treatment.
"There should be a thorough probe. Who are the forces behind such attack," SAD leader Virsa Singh Valtoha told ANI, emphasizing the need for transparency in the investigation.
Police authorities have detained one person in connection with the incident. SAD leaders have strongly condemned the assault on their party president and demanded a thorough investigation to identify those responsible. The attack has reignited discussions about security arrangements for prominent political figures visiting religious sites across the country.
Previous Attack Context
This incident marks the second major attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal within a short span. Earlier in December 2024, the former Punjab deputy chief minister was attacked outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar by former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura. That audacious assault was captured on camera by media personnel who had gathered to cover the second day of Badal's penance for "mistakes" committed by the SAD government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
The timing of this latest attack is particularly significant as Punjab prepares for upcoming elections early next year. The Shiromani Akali Dal, which has been in opposition for several years, has witnessed declining electoral fortunes in successive elections. Last week, Sukhbir Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fuelling speculation about a possible alliance between the former allies. This speculation gained momentum when Badal announced that the SAD would support the Delimitation Bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where exactly did the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal take place? A: The attack occurred near Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, around 1:45 pm on Thursday.
Q: What injuries did Badal sustain during the attack? A: Badal suffered an injury to his right hand, which was wrapped in a cloth as seen in viral videos. His security guard was also injured in the incident.
Q: Who was the attacker in the Nanded incident? A: A Nihang assailant attacked Badal inside the gurdwara premises. One person has been detained in connection with the attack.
Q: What is the political significance of this attack? A: The attack comes as Punjab prepares for elections and follows recent developments in SAD-Modi relations, including Badal's meeting with the Prime Minister and support for the Delimitation Bill.
Q: Has Badal been attacked before? A: Yes, in December 2024, Badal was attacked outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar by former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura.