Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked in Nanded: Amarinder Singh demands probe
Synopsis
Sukhbir Singh Badal has now survived two attacks in under a year — the latest near a Nanded gurdwara, carried out by an alleged Nihang. With SAD demanding a CBI probe and Amarinder Singh invoking Punjab's troubled past, the incident raises urgent questions about the security of top political figures at religious sites.
Key Takeaways
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Nanded, Maharashtra , on 13 August .
He sustained a cut approximately 4–5 cm long on his hand; doctors confirmed he is out of danger.
The alleged attacker, a Nihang named Jaspal Singh , was detained by Maharashtra Police .
Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh condemned the attack via X , urging a thorough probe.
SAD leaders called the incident a 'calculated conspiracy' and demanded a CBI or court-monitored inquiry.
This follows an earlier assassination attempt on Badal at the Golden Temple, Amritsar , in December 2024 .
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a man wielding a sharp object near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, 13 August, sustaining a cut approximately 4–5 cm long on his hand. Former Punjab Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Captain Amarinder Singh swiftly condemned the assault, calling for a thorough investigation and warning that Punjab must not be allowed to revert to an era of violence.
The Attack: What Happened
Badal had arrived in Nanded on Wednesday night and visited the gurdwara with his family on Thursday. The assault occurred shortly after his visit to Mata Sahib Gurdwara, when a man allegedly attacked him with a dagger or kirpan. Nanded Collector Rahul Kardile confirmed the wound measured around 4–5 cm. Badal was subsequently admitted to a private hospital in the city; doctors stated he was out of danger.
The Assailant and Police Action
Maharashtra Police detained the alleged attacker, identified as a Nihang named Jaspal Singh. State authorities ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident. The attack at a sacred religious site drew sharp reactions from political leaders across party lines, with many stressing that communal harmony must be protected.
Amarinder Singh's Condemnation
In a post on social media platform X, Captain Amarinder Singh said: 'I strongly condemn the attack on @officeofssbadal today. Violence has no place in a civilised society, and such acts are especially condemnable when they take place at a sacred religious site. I am relieved that Sukhbir is safe. I urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Punjab must never be allowed to return to an era of violence and hatred.'
SAD's Response and Calls for CBI Probe
Senior SAD leaders termed the Nanded incident a calculated conspiracy and a massive security failure. The party demanded a high-level or court-monitored probe, including calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. Multiple political figures across the spectrum condemned the violence, arguing that political differences cannot justify physical attacks on leaders at religious sites.
A Disturbing Pattern
Notably, this is not the first time Badal has faced a threat to his life in recent months. In December 2024, he survived an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar while performing religious penance. The recurrence of such incidents has intensified demands for a review of the security arrangements around the SAD chief. As investigators pursue leads, the political fallout from the attack is expected to reverberate across Punjab and Maharashtra in the days ahead.
Point of View
One at a Nanded gurdwara — is not coincidence; it is a pattern that demands structural scrutiny of VIP security at religious sites. The SAD's immediate call for a CBI probe is politically understandable, but the more pressing question is why Badal's security detail failed twice at locations that were known on his itinerary. Mainstream coverage has focused on the condemnations; the accountability gap in protective intelligence deserves equal attention.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded?
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a man with a sharp object near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Nanded, Maharashtra, on 13 August, sustaining a cut approximately 4–5 cm long on his hand. He was admitted to a private hospital and doctors confirmed he was out of danger.
Who attacked Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded?
The alleged attacker has been identified as a Nihang named Jaspal Singh, who was detained by Maharashtra Police shortly after the incident. State authorities have ordered an immediate inquiry.
Why did Captain Amarinder Singh condemn the attack?
Captain Amarinder Singh, a former Punjab Chief Minister and BJP leader, condemned the attack on X, calling violence at a sacred religious site especially condemnable and urging authorities to bring those responsible to justice. He also warned against Punjab returning to an era of violence and hatred.
What is the SAD demanding after the Nanded attack?
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders have called the incident a calculated conspiracy and a massive security failure, demanding a high-level or court-monitored probe, including a CBI inquiry into the circumstances of the attack.
Has Sukhbir Singh Badal faced such threats before?
Yes. In December 2024, Badal survived an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar while performing religious penance. The Nanded attack is the second such incident in under a year, intensifying calls for a review of his security arrangements.
