A shocking incident unfolded at the Golden Temple on Wednesday morning as a man opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. The attack occurred near the entrance of the sacred site, where Badal was serving a punishment pronounced by Sikh high priests for religious misconduct.
The Incident
The assailant, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, was apprehended by the police immediately after the incident. Badal, dressed in a blue sewadar uniform and seated in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, narrowly escaped unharmed. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident.
Video footage of attack on Sukhbir Badal outside the Golden Temple pic.twitter.com/bPwaJKr54f
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According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh:
“There were proper security arrangements. The shooter attempted mischief but did not succeed. The assailant had been present at the temple a day before the attack and paid obeisance today before firing.”
A High-Stakes Conspiracy?
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema called the incident a “major conspiracy” to destabilize Punjab:
“This is a big conspiracy to push Punjab back into turmoil. I thank God for saving Sukhbir ji’s life and question Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on the state’s deteriorating law and order.”
Badal’s wife and SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur rushed to the Golden Temple after the attack to stand by her husband during this distressing time.
Context: Religious Penance and Tankhaiya Status
Sukhbir Singh Badal was at the Golden Temple performing acts of penance after being declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by Sikh high priests. During his tenure in office (2007–2017), several “mistakes” were cited by the clergy, leading to his punishment.
The directives from Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh required Badal to:
- Perform public penance outside the Clock Tower of the Golden Temple.
- Clean shoes, wash utensils, and serve the community wearing sewadar attire.
- Display a placard with Gurbani verses as a sign of atonement.
This religiously significant act had drawn considerable public attention, adding weight to the shock of the assassination attempt.
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
The incident has sparked political outrage, with opposition parties holding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal “directly responsible” for the deteriorating law and order situation.
Critics argue that despite heightened security around the Golden Temple, lapses in protocol allowed Chaura to execute his attack. Authorities are now reassessing security arrangements at the site to prevent future incidents.
Punjab’s Volatile History
Punjab’s history of militancy and communal strife adds gravity to such incidents. The state, striving for peace and progress, faces concerns over any actions that could destabilize its fragile harmony. This attack highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring security for political and religious figures.
Key Questions Moving Forward
- What motivated Narayan Singh Chaura to target Sukhbir Singh Badal?
- Were there security lapses, and how can they be addressed effectively?
- Could this incident reignite political and communal tensions in Punjab?
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging calm while promising swift action to uncover the full story behind this alarming attack.
Sidenote: This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
