Nanded: Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has said he is “not afraid” after he was attacked at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal was injured in his right hand in the incident on Thursday and later underwent a 90 minute surgery. Doctors said his condition was stable and that he was out of danger.
The attack took place at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded, where Badal had gone to offer prayers after visiting Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib. His wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also with him.
According to police, a man approached Badal and allegedly tried to attack him with a kirpan. The situation was brought under control quickly after a security officer stepped in. The officer, Police Inspector Santosh Kendre, was also injured during the incident.
Badal was taken to a private hospital in Nanded for treatment. Doctors operated on his injured hand, with reports saying the wound involved damage to a tendon and the ulnar artery nerve. His condition improved after the surgery, and he was expected to be discharged.
The accused has been identified as 62 year old Jaspal Singh Teja Singh Aidal. Police said he had been serving at the gurdwara and had earlier lived in Pune, where he studied law and worked in different jobs. He reportedly moved to Nanded in 2024 for religious service.
Police have arrested the accused and registered a case at Mudkhed Police Station. The charges include attempt to murder, assault or criminal force against a public servant and offences under the Arms Act.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Investigators have questioned the accused and searched his residence in Pune, but authorities had not established a definite reason for the attack as of Friday.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry and sought a report from the Nanded police. The incident has also raised questions about security arrangements for Badal, who has Z plus security.
This is not the first time Badal has faced an attack. In December 2024, he survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Despite being targeted again, Badal has responded with a message of defiance “I am not afraid.”
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