Attempted Assassination of Sukhbir Badal by Khalistan Supporter

Amritsar, Dec 4 (NationPress) A Khalistan supporter affiliated with the radical Sikh organization Dal Khalsa attempted to assassinate Sukhbir Singh Badal, the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday. Badal was serving a "punishment" guard duty at the time.

The attacker was quickly subdued by three police officers in plain clothes who were stationed there to ensure the safety of the Akali leader.

A video captured the moment where the wheelchair-bound Badal, dressed in a blue 'sewadar' uniform and wielding a spear, was targeted at close range as the gunman drew his weapon. Fortunately, quick-thinking policemen intervened and restrained the shooter.

The individual responsible for the attack has been identified as Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant with a history of criminal cases, including involvement in the notorious Burail jailbreak incident in Chandigarh in 2004, where four undertrials, three of whom were assassins of ex-Chief Minister Beant Singh, escaped from prison by tunneling out.

During the assault, Chaura approached Badal, clad in a blue 'sewadar' uniform and displaying a plaque card around his neck as part of his 'tankhah' (religious punishment), before he opened fire. A nearby policeman managed to deflect the assailant's hand upward, preventing a potential tragedy.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh informed the media that adequate security measures were in place and that he was present at the site during the incident.

"Chaura had visited the temple the previous day as well. On Wednesday morning, he returned as usual and paid his respects before he attempted the shooting at Badal," he stated.

Authorities revealed that Chaura had fled to Pakistan in 1984, where he played a role in smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab during the early days of militancy. He is believed to have connections with the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation. Additionally, he is wanted for several offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act across various districts including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar.

While residing in Pakistan, he reportedly wrote a book on guerrilla warfare along with other seditious literature.

The 62-year-old Badal was fulfilling 'sewadar' duties following a religious punishment issued by the Akal Takht for various "mistakes" made during his party's governance in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.

As part of his penalty, Sukhbir Badal and other former cabinet members were mandated to clean toilets, serve 'langar' (community meals), engage in daily prayers, and recite Sukhmani Sahib. They also wore placards around their necks as part of the punishment.

Due to health issues, both Sukhbir Badal and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa were assigned to serve as gatekeepers at the entrance of the Golden Temple for two days.

In response to the attack, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated, "We will conduct a thorough investigation using our resources. I believe the attacker has been apprehended and taken into custody by the police... Guru Ram Das protected Sukhbir Badal... We are reviewing the security protocols in place."

Suspecting a broader conspiracy, Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema remarked, "This is a serious plot to plunge Punjab back into chaos. A man like Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was acting as a 'sewadar' at the Golden Temple entrance, was targeted. I thank God for his survival... I urge (Chief Minister) Bhagwant Mann to explain what he is doing for the state."

BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal condemned the incident as both shocking and disgraceful. "We vehemently denounce the cowardly assault on Sukhbir Singh Badal within the sacred Sri Darbar Sahib Complex. Gun violence is alarmingly prevalent under this lawless administration. Is Punjab being reduced to a Banana Republic? Where is the government? Where is the accountability? Enough is enough! The rule of law must be reinstated!" he expressed on the social media platform X.

Previously, Sukhbir Badal had acknowledged his errors before the Akal Takht, including the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case during the SAD's tenure. The Akal Takht issued the punishment nearly three months after he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct).