A former terrorist, identified by police as Narain Singh Chaura, opened fire on Sukhbir Singh Badal, the former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, on Wednesday (December 4, 2024). The incident occurred outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, where Mr. Badal was performing penance for past ‘mistakes.’
Mr. Badal, who was in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, escaped unhurt. The attack unfolded as he sat at the entrance of the Golden Temple, dressed as a ‘sewadar’ carrying out his religious penance. The accused, reportedly disguised, drew a gun and opened fire but was immediately overpowered by security personnel and bystanders.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed the arrest of Narain Singh Chaura, describing him as a former terrorist and criminal. The firearm used in the attack was recovered, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered. “We will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure all possible angles are explored,” Mr. Bhullar stated.
The shooting, which occurred while Mr. Badal was engaged in performing ‘seva’ as part of the religious punishment pronounced by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on December 2, has drawn sharp criticism of Punjab’s law and order situation.
Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema condemned the incident, describing it as a clear sign of the worsening security situation in the state. Mr. Badal is safe, and the attacker has been apprehended, but this raises serious questions about Punjab’s law and order. I demand Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann resign immediately,” Mr. Cheema said. He also called for a high-level judicial probe, alleging conspiracies against the Akali Dal leadership.
The religious punishment awarded to Mr. Badal and other SAD leaders stemmed from their actions during the SAD-led Punjab government (2007-2017). These included granting pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in a 2007 blasphemy case and failing to take action against those responsible for the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari in 2015. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal admitted these ‘mistakes’ before the pronouncement and was directed to perform duties such as cleaning utensils and shoes of devotees at the Golden Temple.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh strongly condemned the attack, labeling it “murderous” and called for a thorough probe. This was not just an attack on Sukhbir Badal but on a ‘sewadar’ fulfilling his religious duty. Thanks to the carefulness of ‘sewadars’ and security, the bullet did not hit him. We demand the Punjab government investigate the incident comprehensively and identify the conspirators behind it,” he stated.
