Maharashtra , 13 Aug : L Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained injuries after a Nihang allegedly attacked him at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday.
The incident occurred around 11 AM when Badal visited Mata Sahib Gurdwara in the Hazur Sahib area.
Sources said the assailant carried a kirpan and allegedly attempted to stab Badal in the stomach.
Security personnel intervened swiftly and prevented a more serious assault. Police detained the attacker and launched an investigation.
A security officer protecting Badal also suffered injuries while trying to stop the attack.
Inspector Santosh Kendre, deployed on special security duty, was among those injured.
Maharashtra Police confirmed that the assault took place inside the gurdwara premises. A senior officer said Badal suffered an injury to his hand and could have sustained injuries elsewhere.
Badal received stitches and remains under treatment at a private hospital in Nanded. Officials said his injuries are not life-threatening.
A video recorded after the incident showed Badal walking with a saffron cloth covering his right hand.
Earlier, Badal had visited Takht Sri Hazur Sahib with his family. His wife, Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, was present during the attack. Badal had travelled to Nanded from Punjab.
The incident marks another attack on the Akali Dal leader.
On December 4, 2024, Sukhbir Singh Badal survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The gunman was overpowered and arrested.
At the time, Badal was performing ‘sewadar’ duties after the Akal Takht imposed ‘tankhah’, or religious punishment, on him and other Akali Dal leaders over alleged mistakes during their 2007-2017 Punjab government.
