PM Modi Asks About Sukhbir Badal's Health Following ‘Kirpan Attack’ in Nanded
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal to ask about her husband, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, after he was injured in an attack at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, according to sources.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal was with her husband at the time of the incident.
A man dressed in Nihang attire reportedly attacked Badal with a kirpan at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur on Thursday.
PM Modi Asks about Sukhbir Badal's Health: Fadnavis Orders Probe
Badal injured his hand and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The attack took place as Badal was walking to the langar hall after paying his respects at the gurdwara.
The shrine is about 15 km from Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five main.
The attack happened just days after Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7.
That meeting led to speculation about a possible reconciliation between the SAD and the BJP ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, according to a news agency.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the reported attack, according to a report.
Sukhbir Badal Faces Second Attack in Two Years, Survived Golden Temple Assassination Attempt in 2024
This was the second reported attack on Badal in less than two years.
In December 2024, he survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar when former militant Narain Singh Chaura allegedly fired at him from close range.
A security officer intervened, and the bullet missed Badal and hit a wall. Chaura was later caught and arrested.
Sukhbir Badal Gurdwara Attack: Minor Arm Injury, Says SAD; Attacker Stopped by Security Personnel
PM Modi Asks About Sukhbir Badal's Health: According to SAD spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler, Badal sustained a minor arm injury and is in the hospital, but he is doing well and in high spirits. Kler said the attacker tried to target Badal but was stopped by security personnel.
Sukhbir Badal Hospitalised After Attack
PM Modi Asks About Sukhbir Badal's Health: SAD spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said that Badal had sustained a minor injury to his arm and was undergoing treatment at a hospital. He added that Badal was completely fine and in “Chardi Kala” (high spirits).
Kler also mentioned that their leaders have been targeted repeatedly. “Some 'panth virodhi' (anti-panth) forces are hatching such conspiracies,” Kler said.
The state police would investigate the incident and determine if there was any conspiracy behind the attack.
Sukhbir Badal Attack: Police Detain 62-Year-Old Lawyer Jaspal Singh Tejpal, Probe Underway
Sukhbir Singh Badal kirpan attack: Police detained Jaspal Singh Tejpal soon after the incident. Officers are questioning him and continuing their investigation.
Jaspal Singh, a 62-year-old lawyer from Pune, had worked at the Mata Sahib Gurdwara near Nanded for two years. He is accused of attacking Sukhbir Singh Badal as the Akali Dal leader was leaving after paying his respects.
The attack happened inside the gurdwara. Sukhbir Singh Badal is the son of former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Sukhbir Badal Attack: Maharashtra Govt to Probe Security Lapses, SAD Calls Incident a Serious Security Breach
Maharashtra’s Home Minister, Yogesh Kadam, told the media that the government would check if there were any lapses in Sukhbir Singh Badal’s security and if the proper protocol was followed.
He said the Superintendent of Police's office had taken all necessary precautions, but the authorities would still review the situation to determine how the attack occurred.
Shiromani Akali Dal national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar called the incident a serious security lapse.
He said Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked while going to pay his respects at the gurdwara and hurt his hand. He also said that Badal’s security officer was reportedly injured while protecting him.
Sukhbir Badal Attack: SAD, Congress Leaders Condemn Attack, Raise Security Concerns and Urge Peace
Shiromani Akali Dal national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar said the attack was not only against Badal, but also against Punjab’s unity and integrity.
He said the incident raised serious security concerns, especially since Badal is a former Punjab deputy chief minister with Z+ security cover.
Congress leader Ravneet Singh Bittu also condemned the attack, calling it completely unacceptable and saying violence has no place in a democratic society.
He added that political differences are normal in a democracy, but they can never justify violence.
Bittu said Punjab has already gone through years of violence and militancy, and stressed that this should never happen again.
He wished Sukhbir Singh Badal a speedy recovery and urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the investigation is thorough and fair.
He also asked people to stay peaceful and respect democratic values and the rule of law. Dhillon also wished Sukhbir Singh Badal a quick recovery and said violence has no place, especially at one of Sikhism’s sacred Takhts.
In December 2024, former Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist and Khalistani activist Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Badal at the entrance of the Golden Temple.
At that time, Badal was serving as a 'sewadar' at the temple entrance as part of a religious punishment.
