December 4, 2024: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped a gun attack this morning while performing penance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The incident occurred as Mr. Badal carried out his ‘sewadar’ duties at the shrine’s entrance.
The assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura from Gurdaspur district, was quickly overpowered by people at the scene before being arrested. No injuries were reported, and police are investigating the motive behind the attack.
Badal, 62, has been serving his penance after being pronounced a ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) by the Akal Takht for “mistakes” committed during his party’s rule in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. The directive requires him to act as a ‘sewadar,’ which involves washing dishes and cleaning shoes at the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras.
Visuals from the site captured Narain Singh approaching the gate where Mr. Badal, dressed in blue ‘sewadar’ attire and seated in a wheelchair with a spear in hand, was performing his duties. The attacker pulled out a gun, but a bystander noticed his actions just in time, managing to grab his hand. Although the weapon discharged, the shot missed Mr. Badal and others nearby.
Over the past two days, Mr. Badal has been fulfilling his duties, despite having a leg in a cast and being confined to a wheelchair. The police are continuing their investigation into this shocking incident, which has raised security concerns around high-profile figures in Punjab.
Suggested Tags:
#SukhbirSinghBadal #GoldenTemple #PunjabNews #SADLeader #GunAttack #AmritsarIncident #ReligiousPenance #SikhCommunity #AkalTakht