Akal Takht Jathedar Clarifies: Attack Targeted Darbar Sahib 'Sevadar', Not Sukhbir Badal
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Chandigarh, Dec 4 (NationPress) In a strong condemnation of the attempted shooting of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh asserted on Wednesday that the incident was not an assault on Badal but instead targeted a Darbar Sahib 'sevadar' who was engaged in ‘seva’.
He called upon the AAP government in Punjab to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Just hours after a Khalistan supporter associated with the radical Sikh group Dal Khalsa fired at Sukhbir Singh Badal while he was on “punishment” guard duty outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the AAP praised the swift response of the Punjab Police.
The Aam Aadmi Party commended the police for their effective actions, which prevented further escalation and ensured public safety.
Senior AAP spokesperson Neel Garg remarked, “We are thankful to the Punjab Police for their quick action. Their alertness and prompt measures led to the immediate arrest of the shooter, sidestepping a potentially serious situation.”
The party also recognized the exemplary actions of officers Raspal Singh, Jasbir, and Parminder, who promptly identified suspicious behavior, apprehended the assailant, and safeguarded the public.
Their bravery and professionalism were vital in de-escalating the crisis, he advised the media.
A video captured Sukhbir Badal clad in a blue 'sewadar' uniform, brandishing a spear, when the assailant drew his weapon at close range. However, the police swiftly intervened and subdued the attacker, allowing Badal to escape unscathed as the bullet struck a wall.
Garg emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and commented that discussing its details at this juncture would be premature. The party expressed confidence in the Punjab Police to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation to reveal all facets of the incident.
He urged restraint from all parties involved and encouraged citizens to refrain from speculation while the investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh condemned the attempted murder of Sukhbir Badal.
In a statement, Amarinder Singh expressed relief that Sukhbir Badal “is unharmed and the bullet did not strike him.”
He praised the individual who restrained the shooter and redirected his aim, preventing the bullet from injuring Sukhbir Badal.
The former Chief Minister noted that Sukhbir Badal had sought forgiveness from the Akal Takht and was fulfilling the punishment imposed on him within the Golden Temple complex. He stated that those responsible for the attack on the Akali leader violated the Sikh 'maryada'.
Amarinder Singh remarked that Punjab has already endured significant suffering during the 1980s and 1990s and cannot afford to revisit such dark times.
He urged the public to be vigilant against forces attempting to disrupt peace in Punjab.
A Khalistani sympathizer linked to the radical Sikh organization Dal Khalsa opened fire on Sukhbir Badal while he was fulfilling his “punishment” guard duties.
The shooter has been identified as Narain Singh Chaura, reportedly a former militant with multiple criminal cases against him. He was implicated in the notorious Burail jailbreak in Chandigarh in 2004, where four undertrial prisoners, including three assassins of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, escaped via a tunnel.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh informed the media that adequate security measures were in place, and he himself was present at the scene.
“Chaura was also present in the temple the previous day. On Wednesday morning, he arrived at the temple as usual and paid his respects before opening fire at Badal,” he stated in Amritsar.
According to police reports, Chaura had crossed into Pakistan in 1984 and was involved in smuggling weapons and explosives into Punjab during the early days of militancy. He was reportedly associated with the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation. He is also wanted in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act across Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar districts.
While in Pakistan, he allegedly authored a book on guerrilla warfare and produced “seditious” literature.
Badal, aged 62, was fulfilling 'sewadar' duties following the Akal Takht's announcement of 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for him and several other leaders of the Akali Dal due to “errors” made during the party's governance in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
As part of the punishment, Sukhbir Badal and his former cabinet colleagues were mandated to clean toilets, serve 'langar' (community kitchen), partake in daily prayers, and recite Sukhmani Sahib. Placards were also worn around their necks as part of their sentence.
Due to health issues, Sukhbir Badal and another former Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa were instructed to serve as gatekeepers at the entrance of the Golden Temple for two days.
