SAD chief Sukhbir Badal’s wife seeks NIA probe into Aug 13 attack, writes to Amit Shah

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, wife of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, has formally requested the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate the August 13, 2026, attack on her husband. In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, she described the incident as part of a larger pattern of threats against her spouse, citing a previous attempted assassination in December 2024 at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Sukhbir Badal, who holds a Z-plus security clearance, suffered an injury to his right arm during the Nanded attack. According to Harsimrat, an alert security officer intervened to prevent the assailant from causing more severe harm. The August 13 attack occurred at Mata Sahib Gurdwara in the Hazur Sahib area of Nanded, Maharashtra. The accused, identified as Jaspal Singh, aged approximately 62, had worked at the gurdwara as a sevadar for nearly two years before the incident. Authorities confirmed that Jaspal Singh was arrested after the attack. Harsimrat presented evidence including photographs of the weapon allegedly used in the assault, describing it as a 1.5-foot-long sharp object. She noted that the attacker targeted Sukhbir’s chest but missed due to the victim raising his hand in self-defense, resulting in the blade piercing his forearm. A photograph of Sukhbir’s injured arm, still under medical treatment, was also shared publicly. Harsimrat emphasized that the August 13 attack was not an isolated occurrence. She pointed to the December 4, 2024, incident at the Shri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, where Sukhbir was performing seva as instructed by the Akal Takht. During that attack, an individual attempted to strike him with a kirpan, a ceremonial dagger, from close range. Although Sukhbir survived both incidents, Harsimrat expressed concerns over the handling of the initial case by the Punjab government and police. She alleged that authorities failed to adequately address the first attack, potentially allowing the second to occur. Her claims suggest a possible link between the two incidents and raise questions about the efficacy of local law enforcement in protecting high-profile individuals. Harsimrat further accused the Punjab administration, currently led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), of downplaying the seriousness of the earlier attack. She argued that the lack of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the December 2024 incident created an environment conducive to further threats. Her assertions were reinforced by the fact that the individual responsible for the earlier attack was reportedly on bail, indicating potential gaps in the legal process. This situation has prompted calls for a thorough investigation by the NIA, which is known for handling cases involving national security and terrorism. In response to the recent attack, Harsimrat labeled the incident a “well-planned political conspiracy” designed to destabilize Punjab. She stated that such efforts have been ongoing since 2015, suggesting a long-term strategy to undermine peace in the region. Her comments reflect growing tensions within the political landscape of Punjab, where the SAD has historically played a significant role. The demand for an NIA probe has also been echoed by other SAD leaders, including Bikram Singh Majithia, who called for a comprehensive investigation into both the Nanded and Amritsar incidents. These developments highlight the increasing concern among political figures regarding personal safety and the broader implications for regional stability. The SAD has consistently advocated for stronger security measures at religious sites, particularly after these two attacks. Harsimrat’s public display of the weapon used in the Nanded incident underscores the party’s commitment to addressing perceived vulnerabilities in current protocols. As the situation unfolds, the focus will remain on the outcome of the NIA’s involvement and how it might influence future policies concerning the protection of political leaders and the management of security at sensitive locations.