2 attacks in 2 years, 2 escapes: Sukhbir Singh Badal attack in Nanded reminiscent of close call in Amritsar

Sukhbir Singh Badal, the former deputy chief minister of Punjab and president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), narrowly avoided death in an attack outside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday. The incident, which occurred approximately 15 kilometers from Gurdwara Nanded Sahib, one of the five Takhts, or spiritual seats, of Sikhism, marked the second major assassination attempt on Badal in less than two years. This time, he suffered a minor injury to his hand and was treated at Yashosai Hospital nearby. The attack took place as Badal visited the gurdwara with his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a member of parliament and also affiliated with the SAD, along with a group of close associates for a three-day stay. According to reports, Badal was heading toward the langar hall after offering prayers when a Nihang, a member of a specific sect within the Sikh community known for their distinctive dress and practices, approached him with a kirpan, a ceremonial dagger. The assailant struck Badal, causing him to sustain a hand injury. Security personnel were quick to respond, detaining the attacker and ensuring Badal received immediate medical attention. This incident echoes a similar event that occurred nearly two years prior, in December 2024, when Badal was serving a religious punishment at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. At that time, he was seated in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg and wearing the traditional blue sewadar uniform. During his penance, which was imposed by the Akal Takht, a central authority in Sikhism, over alleged misconduct during his tenure as a political leader, a former militant named Narain Singh Chaura approached him with a firearm. The assailant fired at Badal, but a vigilant volunteer intervened, grabbing Chaura’s arms mid-shoot and redirecting the bullet away from its intended target. The bullet struck a wall about six feet from where Badal was seated, missing him entirely. No injuries were reported, and Chaura was swiftly arrested by police officers stationed at the temple. Footage from the 2024 incident captured the tense moment as Chaura walked toward Badal before pulling a gun from his pocket. The volunteer’s quick action prevented a fatality, and the assailant was subdued by the crowd gathered at the scene. Police confirmed that the attack did not result in any casualties. Following the incident, other sewadars formed a protective circle around Badal, ensuring his safety while he continued his religious duties. Despite the traumatic experience, Badal maintained composure and carried on with his responsibilities at the temple entrance. The 2024 attack was part of a broader context involving religious reconciliation efforts initiated by Sikh high priests. The tankhah, or religious punishment, imposed on Badal and other Akali leaders was linked to incidents of sacrilege and the controversial pardon given to Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda cult. These actions were aimed at addressing longstanding grievances within the Sikh community and fostering unity among its members. The recent attack in Nanded has reignited concerns about security measures at key Sikh sites, particularly the Golden Temple, where Badal had previously faced an assassination attempt. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting prominent figures and maintaining order at religious locations. Meanwhile, Badal continues to navigate both political and personal challenges, having already endured a life-threatening situation twice in a short span. His resilience and continued presence in public life underscore the complex interplay between politics, religion, and security in contemporary India.