SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal injured in attack near Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked near a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded. He was hospitalised, and a security personnel was injured
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday (August 13).
The incident took place near a gurdwara that Badal had visited in the city. He was taken to a private hospital in Nanded following the attack, reported NDTV.
A member of Badal's security team was also injured during the incident. Earlier in the day, Badal had paid a visit to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded. The report further stated that videos recorded after the attack showed him walking with a saffron cloth wrapped around his right hand.
Security team intervenes
According to the NDTV report, quoting sources, the attacker allegedly attempted to stab Badal in the stomach. Security personnel accompanying the SAD leader intervened and prevented the attack from causing more serious injuries.
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The report further stated that Badal suffered an injury to his hand and was admitted to a private hospital in Nanded. The injury was not considered life-threatening. He reportedly received stitches on his hand during treatment.
As for the attackers, Badal was attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang at Gurdwara Nanded Sahib, reported The Tribune.
Badal had reached Nanded on Wednesday along with his family and close associates for a three-day visit. At the time of the attack, he was inside the gurdwara with his wife, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Condemnation and response
The incident drew condemnation from BJP spokesperson RP Singh, who described it as “completely unacceptable” and said violence had no place in a democratic society.
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"Punjab and the Punjabi community have already suffered immensely during the dark and painful years of violence and militancy. Generations of Punjabis have borne the deep scars left by that period. We cannot, under any circumstances, allow those dark days to return. Peace, brotherhood, constitutional values and the rule of law must always prevail. I pray for the good health, safety and speedy recovery of S Sukhbir Singh Badal Ji,” stated Singh in a post on X.
Previous assassination attempt
Earlier, Badal survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar on December 4, 2024. He escaped unhurt in that attack, while the assailant was restrained and arrested at the spot shortly after the incident.