Sukhbir Badal hurt in kirpan attack at Nanded gurdwara, attacker held
Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded district on Wednesday. The incident took place at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mukat Sahib when an assailant, reportedly dressed in Nihang attire, attacked him with a kirpan, a ceremonial dagger, causing an injury to his hand.
Badal was at the gurdwara to perform the duty of a sewadar, a voluntary service role, as part of the religious penance, or tankhah, imposed on him by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhism. According to eyewitnesses, the attacker struck suddenly while Badal was seated at the entrance of the shrine, a spot typically designated for sewadars to greet devotees and take part in the langar preparations. Security personnel on duty immediately overpowered the assailant and apprehended him. The attacker has been identified as Narayan Singh Chaurasiya, a resident of Uttar Pradesh. Police have registered a case and are investigating the motive behind the assault.
Badal was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Medical officials said the injury is not life-threatening and that he is stable. The former deputy chief minister was later discharged after receiving first aid, according to his associates.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the incident and prayed for Badal’s speedy recovery. Congress leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also expressed concern and called for a thorough investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and took stock of the situation, while also enquiring about Badal’s health.
Sukhbir Badal, 61, is the son of former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and has served as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister from 2007 to 2017. He has been leading the Shiromani Akali Dal since 2008. The tankhah for Sukhbir Badal was announced by the Akal Takht in December 2024 for alleged acts of religious misconduct during his tenure in government. As part of the penance, he was assigned to perform seva, including cleaning of footwear and cooking langar, at various gurdwaras. His two-day stint at the Nanded gurdwara was part of this assignment.
The gurdwara committee and local authorities have tightened security following the incident. Maharashra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla said the attacker was being interrogated and that no security lapse was reported, though a detailed review of the shrine's security arrangements has been ordered. The Nanded Rural Police have also deployed additional personnel at the gurdwara to ensure the safety of devotees.
The incident has brought to light the emerging threats faced by political leaders during public appearances. Security experts have pointed to the need for stricter protocols at religious places, which are often considered vulnerable due to their open access. However, officials have not indicated any immediate change in security guidelines for VIPs.
The gurdwara in Nanded is revered as the site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine daily. In the wake of the attack, the management has urged calm and asked devotees to cooperate with security checks.
While the immediate motive remains unknown, police have not ruled out any angle, including personal enmity or larger conspiracy. Investigations are ongoing.
