SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday, leaving him with an injury to his hand. Badal was rushed to a private hospital after the incident, underwent surgery and was later discharged. Police have detained the alleged attacker and are investigating the motive behind the assault.
The incident took place at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Nanded, where Badal was visiting as part of his religious and political engagements. According to reports, the attacker approached the Shiromani Akali Dal chief with a sharp-edged weapon. Badal’s security personnel intervened quickly, preventing the assault from causing more serious injuries.
A Maharashtra Police officer, Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, was among those who responded to the attack. He reportedly moved between Badal and the attacker, helping to stop the assault. Kendre was also injured during the incident.
Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. Doctors said he suffered tendon and nerve damage and underwent surgery lasting around 90 minutes. His condition was described as stable. He was discharged on Friday with his injured hand in a cast.
After leaving the hospital, Badal said he was doing well and was not afraid following the attack. He also spoke about what he described as forces that did not want peace in Punjab and the country. His remarks came as police continued their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
The alleged attacker has been identified as Jaspal Singh, who has been described in reports as a Nihang. He was taken into custody following the incident and is being questioned by investigators. Police are trying to establish what prompted him to target Badal and whether he acted alone.
The motive remains unclear. Investigators are examining different possibilities, including whether the attack was linked to personal, religious or political reasons. Security agencies are also involved in the probe, with authorities looking into how the attacker managed to get close to Badal despite his security cover.
The incident has raised questions about security arrangements for political leaders visiting religious places. Badal has Z-plus security, and the fact that an attacker was able to approach him with a weapon is expected to form an important part of the investigation.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the attack. The party has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident and called for a detailed investigation into whether there was a larger conspiracy. Authorities, however, have not confirmed any political motive so far.
The Nanded attack has also drawn attention because it comes less than two years after Badal survived an attempted shooting outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In December 2024, a gunman opened fire at Badal while he was performing religious service as part of a penance ordered by the Sikh clergy. The gunman was overpowered before Badal was injured.
The latest assault has therefore renewed concerns around Badal’s personal security and the political tensions surrounding the SAD chief. It also comes at a time when the Shiromani Akali Dal is seeking to strengthen its position in Punjab politics, making Badal’s continued public engagements important for the party.
The incident has attracted attention in both Maharashtra and Punjab because it occurred at a major Sikh religious site in Nanded. Religious institutions often draw large crowds, making security particularly challenging when prominent political figures visit.
With Badal now discharged from hospital, the focus has shifted to the police investigation. Authorities are expected to examine the attacker’s background, possible motive and security arrangements at the gurdwara. The probe will also determine whether there were any lapses that allowed the alleged attacker to approach the SAD chief.
