Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a kirpan attack at a gurdwara on the outskirts of Nanded in Maharashtra. The former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister was attacked by a Nihang, and the accused has been taken into custody.
According to The Tribune, Sukhbir sustained an injury in his right arm during the attack. He was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors gave him two-three stitches on the arm. A video showed the SAD chief walking inside the hospital with a cloth wrapped around his arm.
Attack at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat
The incident took place around 2 pm when Sukhbir, his MP wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, their daughters, and a son-in-law had come to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat. A security man accompanying Badal also sustained injuries while trying to save him.
Police in Nanded have arrested the accused, identified as Jaspal Singh. According to The Indian Express, an officer said Singh, 63, worked in Mumbai with Hindustan. The attacker was described as a Nihang in the initial reports.
Security Concerns After Previous Attack Attempt
This attack comes after a previous attempt on Sukhbir's life. The Tribune reports that he earlier escaped an attempt on his life at the Golden Temple entrance in December 2024. The latest incident raises fresh questions about the security of political leaders, even at religious sites.
"Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded. The alleged attacker, identified as 62-year-old..." — DNA India via Facebook
The attack has drawn attention to the safety arrangements at religious places where political leaders frequently visit. The quick response by the security personnel on duty likely prevented a more serious outcome, though both Sukhbir and his guard sustained injuries.
Our Take: Security at Religious Sites Needs Urgent Review
To put it plainly, this incident is deeply troubling. A senior political leader was attacked with a kirpan inside a gurdwara — a place meant for peace and prayer. The fact that this happened despite the presence of security personnel shows a clear gap in protection measures.
In our view, this attack should serve as a wake-up call. Religious sites are often considered safe zones, but they clearly remain vulnerable. The authorities must review security protocols at such locations, especially when high-profile leaders visit. The accused has been arrested, but the bigger question is how to prevent such incidents from happening again.
For Sukhbir Singh Badal, this is the second attack he has faced in recent months. That pattern alone should prompt a serious reassessment of how security is managed for political figures across the country.