sad-leader-questions-security-lapse-after-attack-on-sukhbir

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar on Thursday condemned the attack on party chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded.

 

Badal suffered an injury to his hand in the incident and was later taken to a hospital. His condition is reported to be stable. This was his second major security scare after the attempted shooting at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in December 2024.

 

Talwar described the incident as an “attack on Punjab’s unity and integrity” and questioned how Badal could be attacked despite being provided Z+ security.

 

Talwar said Badal was on his way to the gurdwara to pay obeisance when the attack took place. He said Badal suffered an injury to his hand and that one of his security personnel may also have been hurt.

 

“Through the media, we came to know that Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked while he was going to pay obeisance,” Talwar said. He added that after speaking to people accompanying Badal, they learnt that he had suffered a hand injury and that a bodyguard may also have been injured.

 

Talwar said Badal has always spoken about Hindu-Sikh unity and Punjabiyat. He said the incident should not be viewed only as an attack on the SAD chief but as an attack on the unity and integrity of Punjab.

 

He also raised questions over the security arrangements around Badal. Talwar said an attack on a former Deputy Chief Minister with Z+ security would raise serious concerns about a possible security lapse.

 

Nanded Police said Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was taken to a hospital. His condition is reported to be stable.

 

The accused, identified as a Nihang, was arrested soon after the incident. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought a report from the Nanded Superintendent of Police and ordered an inquiry into the reason behind the attack.

 

The incident is the second reported attack on Badal in recent years. In December 2024, he was targeted in an attempted shooting outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar while performing ‘seva’. The attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, was overpowered and arrested.