Attempted Shooting at Sukhbir Badal in Golden Temple; Attacker Arrested
In a shocking incident on Wednesday, a man attempted to shoot Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The attack occurred while Badal was performing ‘seva’ as part of a religious punishment pronounced by the Akal Takht Sahib. The quick intervention of a nearby sewadar thwarted the attack, ensuring Badal’s safety.
Attacker Identified as Former Militant
The attacker has been identified as Narain Singh Chaura, reportedly a former militant with a history of criminal activities. Chaura, who hails from the Dera Baba Nanak area, has been implicated in multiple cases and is said to have been underground for a significant period. He is also alleged to be the mastermind behind the infamous Burail jail break of 2004, during which several Babbar Khalsa International terrorists, including Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora, escaped with his assistance.
On Tuesday, Chaura was seen in close proximity to Sukhbir Badal, dressed in a white kurta-pyjama, raising suspicions about his intent. During the attack, he fired a shot in Badal’s direction but was intercepted by a sewadar, who pushed his hand upward, deflecting the bullet.
SAD Calls for Judicial Enquiry
SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema condemned the incident and questioned the security situation in Punjab. “SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was sitting by the Guru Ram Das Dwar as ‘Chowkidar.’ Bullet was fired in his direction… I thank Guru Nanak that he saved his ‘sevak,'” said Cheema. He criticized the AAP-led Punjab government, demanding a high-level judicial inquiry into the matter while praising the security personnel for their prompt action.
Religious Punishment for Akali Leaders
The attack occurred during Badal’s ongoing service under ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) ordered by the Sikh clergy for mistakes committed during the SAD’s governance from 2007 to 2017. Despite a fractured leg, Badal has been serving as a volunteer, sitting in a wheelchair outside the Golden Temple with a spear in hand.
Other SAD leaders, including Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Bikram Singh Majithia, and Daljit Singh Cheema, are also undergoing similar punishments, performing tasks such as washing utensils and cleaning shoes. Small boards around their necks acknowledged their “misdeeds” as they carried out their service.
This incident has not only raised concerns over security at religious sites but also ignited political debates on governance and public safety in Punjab.
