Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, was targeted in a shooting at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday morning.
The attack took place while Badal was serving his religious penance at the temple entrance.
The shooter, later identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, fired at Badal while he was engaged in a ‘tankhah’, a religious punishment for past misconduct during his time in office.
The incident occurred as Badal, dressed in a blue ‘sewadar’ uniform, sat with a plaque card around his neck, performing the penance prescribed by the Akal Takht.
However, the assailant was quickly subdued by those present at the scene and arrested.
Punjab Police confirmed that no one, including Badal, was injured in the attack.
ADCP Harpal Singh stated, “There were proper security arrangements here. Sukhbir ji was properly covered (given cover). Narayan Singh Chaura (assailant) was here yesterday as well. Today too, he first paid obeisance to the Guru.”
“Security arrangements were proper. The person (shooter) tried to do some mischief but he could not succeed,” he further added.
The incident however occurred amid a tense atmosphere surrounding Badal’s ongoing penance, which stems from his declaration as ‘tankhaiya’ in August by the Akal Takht.
Additionally, he was accused of religious misconduct during his tenure from 2007 to 2017.
As part of his punishment, Badal is currently involved in physical labor at the temple, including washing utensils and cleaning shoes.
Daljit Singh Cheema Condemns Attack; Relieved Badal Remains Unharmed
SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema condemned the attack. He however expressed relief that Badal was unharmed.
He further asserted, “First of all, I would like to thank Guru Nanak. Jako Rakhe Saaiyan, Maar Sake Na Koy. ‘Sevaks’ were offering ‘seva’ here. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was sitting by the Guru Ram Das Dwar as ‘Chowkidar’. Bullet was fired in his direction. I thank Guru Nanak that he saved his ‘sevak’. This is a huge incident, what era is Punjab being pushed into? I would like to ask the CM of Punjab, where do you want to take Punjab? The attacker was caught on the spot. I also thank the security personnel here. Had they not acted promptly. There should be a high-level judicial enquiry into the incident. We will continue with our ‘seva’.”
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