Sukhbir Singh Badal Attacked With Kirpan at Nanded Gurdwara, Assailant Detained

Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday.

Badal was visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur when a man dressed as a Nihang allegedly attacked him with a kirpan. Badal sustained an injury to his left hand and was taken to a hospital for treatment. A police officer deployed for his security was also injured while intervening in the attack.

Security personnel acted quickly and overpowered the attacker before the situation could escalate. The accused was identified as Jaspal Singh and was taken into police custody for questioning.

Motive Under Investigation

According to preliminary information, an argument reportedly took place before the attack. During questioning, Jaspal Singh is understood to have cited a reason for his actions, but police are not satisfied with the explanation and are investigating whether there was any other motive behind the assault.

Maharashtra authorities have ordered a probe into the incident. Police are continuing to question the accused to establish the circumstances and motive behind the attack.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of political leaders during public and religious engagements.

Badal Targeted in Earlier Attack Attempt

This is not the first time Badal has faced an attack attempt. In December 2024, a gunman opened fire at him outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar while Badal was performing religious service. The attack was foiled by security personnel, and Badal escaped unharmed.

The latest attack in Nanded has once again brought attention to security arrangements around Badal, who has held the post of Shiromani Akali Dal president and previously served as Punjab’s Deputy Chief Minister.