SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal Injured After Attack Near Gurdwara In Maharashtra’s Nanded, Assailant Detained
Nanded: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered an injury to his hand after a man allegedly attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon near a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday.
The attack took place near Mata Sahib Gurdwara, located within the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib complex. Badal was present at the religious site when the attacker reportedly advanced towards him carrying the weapon. Initial accounts said the SAD leader sustained an injury to his hand while attempting to protect himself from the assault.
A police officer attached to Badal’s security team was also hurt while stepping in to prevent the attack. Security personnel and others at the site overpowered the assailant before he could cause further harm. Police subsequently took the suspect into custody for questioning, as reported by The Statesman.
Attacker Detained, Probe On
Investigators are now examining the sequence of events, including how the assailant managed to approach a senior political leader at one of Maharashtra’s most prominent Sikh religious centres. Authorities are also expected to review the security arrangements at the gurdwara and determine whether the suspect acted alone.
The weapon used in the assault has been described in preliminary reports as a sharp-edged instrument. Some reports identified it as a kirpan, while details regarding the exact nature of the weapon and the injuries were still being verified.
Badal was rushed to a private medical facility following the incident. Initial reports suggested that his injury was not life-threatening, though a detailed medical assessment and further official information were awaited.
The motive for the attack had not been established till the time of publishing this report. Police are likely to examine the accused’s background, his movements before the incident and any possible links to others as part of the inquiry.
The assault comes at a politically sensitive period for Badal and the Akali Dal. As one of the most influential figures in Punjab’s Sikh political landscape, Badal continues to remain central to the party’s efforts to recover from a series of electoral and organisational setbacks in the state.
Second Attack On SAD Chief
The Nanded incident has also revived concerns over the safety of senior Sikh political figures at religious sites. Badal had survived another attack in December 2024, when a gunman opened fire on him outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar while he was performing religious service. He escaped without injury in that incident after a police officer intervened and pushed the assailant’s weapon away.
Thursday’s assault was carried out differently, involving a sharp-edged weapon, but it too occurred at a major Sikh place of worship.
The incident is expected to prompt closer scrutiny of access control and protection arrangements at the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib complex. Questions are also likely to be raised about whether adequate checks were conducted on people moving through the gurdwara premises.
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is among the most revered Sikh shrines outside Punjab and draws devotees from across the country. Any security lapse at the complex is therefore likely to attract considerable attention from religious bodies, political parties and law-enforcement agencies.
For the SAD, Badal’s recovery remains the immediate priority. The police investigation will determine whether the assault was an isolated act by an individual or part of a broader plan.
