Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in an attack near a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13. Police detained the alleged attacker, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Hospital Update After Nanded Attack
The incident occurred during Badal's visit to the Mata Sahib Gurdwara area in Nanded. Preliminary information indicated that a Nihang allegedly approached Badal with a sharp-edged weapon, reported to be a kirpan. Security personnel intervened and prevented the assault from escalating.
Badal suffered an injury to his right hand and was shifted to a private hospital in Nanded. Video footage recorded after the incident showed him walking with a saffron-coloured cloth wrapped around his injured hand. Authorities said his condition was stable following treatment.
A member of Badal's security team was also injured while trying to stop the attacker. Police took the accused into custody soon after the incident and began questioning him. The motive had not been officially established in the initial stages of the investigation.
Police Probe and Z-Plus Security
The Sukhbir Badal Nanded attack has also drawn attention to security arrangements around the SAD chief, who receives Z-plus protection. Investigators are expected to examine how the accused managed to approach Badal despite the presence of security personnel.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought a report from the Nanded authorities and ordered an inquiry into the circumstances and motive behind the attack. The Chief Minister also spoke with Badal and enquired about his health, according to information released after the incident.
Police have identified the attacker and are examining the sequence of events surrounding the assault. Authorities had not announced a confirmed motive at the time of the initial investigation.
2024 Attack at Golden Temple
The Nanded incident comes less than two years after Badal survived another attack. On December 4, 2024, a gunman opened fire at him outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar while he was performing religious service. The shot missed Badal, and people at the scene quickly overpowered the attacker.
At that time, Badal was performing sewadar duties after the Akal Takht imposed a tankhah, or religious punishment, relating to decisions made during the Shiromani Akali Dal government's tenure in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.
Political Reactions and Investigation
The latest attack prompted condemnation from political leaders. BJP spokesperson RP Singh described violence against political leaders as unacceptable and called for peace, brotherhood, constitutional values and the rule of law.
The incident is likely to renew scrutiny of security protocols for Badal, particularly because two attacks have now occurred at Sikh religious sites despite his high-level protection. Police are continuing to investigate the accused's motive, movements and access to the area before the assault.
As the investigation develops, any claims about the attacker's motive or wider links should be treated as unconfirmed unless Nanded Police or Maharashtra authorities formally establish them.
