Sukhbir Badal Injured in Nanded Attack, Security Officer Averts Major Harm

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered a cut on his hand after a man attacked him in Maharashtra's Nanded district on Saturday. He was admitted to a private hospital, where doctors said he is out of danger. The wound, measured at 4-5 cm, was described as not serious by the Nanded collector.

The attack occurred shortly after Badal visited the Mata Sahib gurdwara with his family. According to police sources, the attacker, identified as Jaspal Singh, a Nihang Sikh, swung a kirpan at the former Punjab deputy chief minister. A security officer intervened immediately, shielding Badal from the brunt of the assault. While Badal sustained a cut on his hand, the officer bore most of the impact.

Preliminary investigation suggests the attacker attempted to stab Badal in the stomach. The quick response of the security personnel prevented a more serious injury. The attacker has been arrested, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events.

Jaspal Singh claims to be a law graduate from Pune who became a Nihang a few years ago. Nihangs are a martial order within the Sikh community. The police have not yet commented on a possible motive, and investigations are ongoing.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the attack. Akali Dal leader Virsa Singh Valtoha condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation. He asked, "Who are the forces behind such an attack?"

Badal is covered by the top-tier Z-plus security due to a high threat perception. Although the visit to Nanded was private, his security cover was present throughout. A post-attack video showed Badal walking with a cloth wrapped around his injured right hand. His wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, an Akali Dal MP, was with him at the time.

Badal had come to Nanded as part of a 'penance' visit for mistakes committed by the Akali Dal government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. This context is significant, as the visit was intended as a public act of apology. The attack has raised concerns about the security of political leaders during public engagements.

The police have urged the public not to speculate on the incident while the investigation proceeds. Further details are expected as the probe continues.