Former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked by Nihang near Nanded gurdwara: What we know so far

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured after a Nihang man allegedly attacked him with a kirpan inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday, according to PTI.

The incident took place around 1.45 pm at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat, around 15 km from Nanded city, when Badal was descending a flight of stairs after visiting the shrine.

Badal, 64, was rushed to a hospital, where he received two to three stitches on his right hand. His condition is stable and SAD leaders said he is in "chardi kala", or high spirits.

Who attacked Sukhbir Badal?

The accused has been identified as Jaspal Singh, a 60-62-year-old man who police said had been working as a sewadar, or volunteer, at the gurdwara for around two years, according to a PTI report.

Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan said Singh is from Pune, where he lives with his family, but had been staying alone in Nanded.

Police said Singh has commerce and law degrees. He has been arrested and is being interrogated.

Police said Singh initially referred to the drug problem in Punjab as a possible reason for his action. However, the exact motive has not yet been established.

"We are checking his background... Initially he said he was angry about the drugs (problem) in Punjab. But the exact reason for the attack will come out only after a detailed investigation," SP Rohan told PTI.

Police said they had so far found no gang connection or criminal background involving the accused.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is also investigating the incident and has visited Singh's residence in Pune.

Badal visited Gurdwara with wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Hours before the attack the attack, the SAD president shared a video on X of his visit to 'Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib' in Nanded. His post on X read: "At TTakhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, I bowed my head along with my family and offered an Ardas for the well-being of all. May Guru Sahib place a merciful hand upon the entire world."

Badal had visited the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded along with wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who is an Akali Dal MP.

How was the attack foiled?

According to police and SAD leaders, Badal was attacked while he was going down a flight of stairs.

A police officer, Santosh Kendre, who was part of the special protection unit accompanying Badal, was injured while trying to protect him.

SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia claimed that the attacker first struck Badal's hand and then attempted to attack his chest, but people present at the spot intervened.

Badal was later seen walking inside a hospital with a cloth wrapped around his injured right hand.

What is Badal's security cover?

Badal has Z-plus security, but according to police, his CISF cover is available only in Punjab and Delhi, with around 40 personnel deployed.

Punjab Police personnel were accompanying him in Nanded when the attack took place.

SAD leaders have described the incident as a serious intelligence and security failure and demanded a high-level probe.

What has the Maharashtra government said?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an investigation into the attack.

Fadnavis also spoke to Badal to enquire about his health and sought details of the incident from the Nanded SP.

The police investigation is now focused on establishing the accused's motive and whether anyone else was involved.

What are SAD leaders alleging?

SAD leaders have called the incident a "murderous" and "cowardly" attack and demanded either a CBI probe or an inquiry monitored by a high court.

Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy to eliminate the Akali Dal's "moderate leadership". He also drew a connection between Thursday's incident and the assassination attempt on Badal in December 2024.

Majithia demanded that both incidents be investigated by the CBI to determine whether there was a common conspiracy, local facilitation or involvement of foreign handlers.

Other SAD leaders have similarly demanded that the Nanded attack and the 2024 Golden Temple incident be examined together.

Second attack on Badal in two years

The Nanded attack comes nearly two years after Badal survived an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in December 2024.

At the time, Badal was performing sewadar duty at the temple entrance after the Akal Takht had pronounced tankhah, or religious punishment, over "mistakes" committed during the SAD's rule in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.

The accused in that case was identified as Narain Singh Chaura, who allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired at Badal from close range. The shot missed, and Chaura was overpowered by people at the spot.

SAD leaders have argued that the two incidents should be investigated together.

What have political parties said?

The attack has drawn condemnation across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Badal's wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and enquired about his health, according to ANI.

Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party condemned the attack, while also pointing to continuing anger within sections of the Sikh community over the 2015 sacrilege incidents that occurred when the SAD was in power.

Punjab Congress leaders also condemned the attack. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said there could be no justification for violence in a democracy and called for a fair and time-bound investigation.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring similarly acknowledged anger over the sacrilege cases and police firing while stressing that political differences could not justify violence.

Several BJP and Maharashtra opposition leaders also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.