Nihang Attacks Sukhbir Badal With Kirpan in Maharashtra, Injures His Hand

Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured after a man allegedly attacked him with a kirpan inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 1.45 pm at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat, where Badal had gone to pay obeisance. Police detained the alleged attacker, identified as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh Tejpal, shortly after the incident.

Badal suffered an injury to his right hand and was taken to Yashosai Hospital. Doctors said a team of three senior surgeons was treating him and that surgery was being performed under local anaesthesia. His condition was described as stable and out of danger.

Inspector Santosh Kendre, who was part of Badal’s security detail, also sustained minor injuries while intervening during the attack.

Fadnavis Orders Probe

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought a detailed report from the Nanded Superintendent of Police and directed authorities to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the assault. Fadnavis also spoke to Badal over the phone and enquired about his health. Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said officials would examine whether there was any lapse in Badal’s security.

Senior officials, including Nanded Collector Rahul Kardile, Superintendent of Police Nilabh Rohan, the Inspector General of Police and the Civil Surgeon, visited the hospital as Badal received treatment. According to Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Harsimrat Kaur Badal and enquired about her husband’s health.

SAD national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar termed the incident a serious security lapse and said Badal had been attacked while visiting the gurdwara. BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu condemned the assault and said political differences could never justify violence.

Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon also condemned the incident, stressing that violence had no place at a sacred Sikh shrine.

The attack comes nearly two years after Badal was targeted at the Golden Temple in December 2024. Former Babbar Khalsa International terrorist and Khalistani activist Narain Singh Chaura had opened fire at Badal while he was serving as a ‘sewadar’ at the temple entrance. Badal escaped unharmed in that incident.