Nanded:
A Nihang Sikh has been arrested for the attack on Akali Dal chief and Punjab’s former deputy chief minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, in Maharashtra. The incident occurred this afternoon when Badal had visited Mata Sahib Gurduwara in Nanded. The attacker has been identified as Jaspal Singh, a sevadar (volunteer) at the gurudwara for two years. He attacked Badal with a kirpan, sources told NDTV. Click for Live Updates
Sukhbir Singh Badal attack: What we know so far
NDTV’s @MickyGupta84 shares key details with @GargiRawat. pic.twitter.com/kfR5VxR8Bd
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The attacker was caught and taken into custody soon after the attack. His turban came off during the chaos. Keeping in mind the significance of turbans in Sikh tradition, the people there first helped him re-tie it, and then he was taken away, showed visuals.
Sources said Singh has claimed to be a law graduate from Pune who became a Nihang a few years ago.
He told the police that he attacked Badal since he held him responsible for the drug menace in the state, sources added.
Read: Attacker Tried To Stab Sukhbir Badal In Stomach: What We Know So Far
However, the police have not yet stated any official motive behind the attack. Singh is being questioned to determine the motive, said Superintendent of Police Rohan Neelabh.
Sources said Singh attacked Badal with a kirpan on the steps of the gurudwara when he was leaving the religious site after paying obeisance. The attacker came posing as a devotee to avoid raising suspicion, they said, adding that the security personnel were present at the time of the attack.
Badal, who has a Z-plus security cover, suffered an injury to his right hand and was rushed to hospital for surgery. Santosh Kendre, a police inspector, who was with Badal and tried to protect him from the attacker, also sustained an hand injury.
Read: When Sukhbir Singh Badal Was Attacked Outside Golden Temple In 2024
“Both are undergoing treatment at the Yashosai Hospital, Nanded, and their condition is reported to be good. The sevadari has been taken into police custody, and further legal proceedings are underway,” the SP said in a statement.
Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, has condemned the attack as “extremely unfortunate” and said that it hurts the sanctity of gurudwaras.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has personally called Badal to enquire about his health and ordered an inquiry into the attack.
