North News
Amritsar/Chandigarh
Sukhbir Singh Badal, leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while performing penance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday. The assailant, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, a former militant, allegedly attempted to shoot Badal at around 9:30 am. However, the attack was thwarted when a security officer quickly intervened, causing the shot to be fired into the air.
The incident, which was captured on video, has raised alarm over security measures at one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar commended the rapid response of the officer who prevented further escalation. “The situation was contained swiftly, and Chaura has been arrested without further incident,” Bhullar said.
Here is the full link to video
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday condemned the assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling it an “unfortunate incident.” Mann credited the Punjab Police for their swift action, which prevented a larger tragedy. Speaking to the media, Mann said, “Due to the alertness of Punjab Police personnel, a major incident was averted, and the accused was arrested on the spot.” The Chief Minister stated that he has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) and senior officials to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Mann assured that the motive behind the attack would soon uncovered. “We will not allow conspiracies aimed at defaming Punjab to succeed.I strongly condemn the attack on Sukhbir Badal,” he added.
Highlighting security measures, Mann noted that 175 police personnel had been deployed in Amritsar to ensure safety. He reiterated that the investigation would be strict and unbiased, with perpetrators facing stringent action.
Chaura, associated with the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation, has a history of militant activities. Arrested in 2013, he was implicated in multiple cases involving explosives and unlawful activities across Punjab. He was released on bail in 2018. Condemning the incident, Akalileader Daljit Singh Cheema termed it a “major security lapse” and demanded a judicial inquiry. “The conspiracy behind this attack must be exposed,” Cheema stated.
The assassination attempt coincided with Badal’s penance as directed by the Akal Takht. Declared tankhaiya for actions deemed harmful to the Sikh community during his tenure, Badal was ordered to perform community service duties at Sikh shrines, to atone for past decisions, including the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
The Akal Takht’s directives have also stripped Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir’s father, of the honorary title Fakhre-e-Qaum and mandated the recovery of funds spent on Dera-related advertisements.
Sukhbir’s penance began Tuesday and will continue at various Sikh shrines across Punjab.
