GUWAHATI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped harm on Wednesday, December 4 morning when a man reportedly opened fire at him while he was performing penance at the entrance of the Golden Temple. The assailant, identified as Narain Singh from Gurdaspur, was overpowered by people present at the scene before being arrested. No injuries were reported.
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The incident occurred around 9 AM as Badal, 62, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, carried out his duties as a sewadar (volunteer) at the temple. He was performing tasks such as cleaning shoes and washing dishes as part of a religious punishment (tankhah) pronounced by the Akal Takht for "mistakes" committed during the SAD-led government from 2007 to 2017.
Visuals from the scene reportedly show Narain Singh approaching the temple gate, pulling out a gun, and firing. Alert bystanders managed to restrain him, causing the bullet to hit a wall instead of its intended target. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar lauded the quick action of police officers Rishpal Singh, Jasbir Singh, and Parminder Singh, who helped thwart the attack.
"Narain Singh has a criminal record. We have registered a case and are investigating all angles, including possible links to Khalistani groups. I appeal for peace and commend the officers for their alertness," Bhullar stated to the media.
According to reports, Narain Singh has connections to the Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa. He is believed to have masterminded the 2004 Burail jailbreak, which saw four prisoners, including Babbar Khalsa chief Jagtar Singh Hawara, escape through a 94-foot tunnel.
The attack sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. SAD leader Naresh Gujral criticised the deteriorating law and order in Punjab, describing the incident as a sign of criminal impunity. BJP leader Vijay Sampla called the attack on Badal, a sewadar, an assault on the sanctity of the Golden Temple itself.
Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed relief that Badal was unharmed and called for a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, AAP leader Aman Arora defended the Punjab government, stating that the police had acted promptly and effectively to prevent harm.
Badal has been serving his punishment following the Akal Takht’s decision to declare him guilty of religious misconduct (tankhaiya).
His offenses included pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case. For the past two days, he has been stationed at the Golden Temple gate in a wheelchair, dressed in sewadar attire, and holding a spear.
This attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of religious and political figures in Punjab and highlighted ongoing tensions in the region. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting while ensuring enhanced security at the Golden Temple.