Attack on Sukhbir Badal: Shooter Arrested After Firing at Golden Temple Gate in Amritsar
Sukhbir Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, was attacked in Amritsar, Punjab when a gunshot was fired near the Golden Temple. Fortunately, Badal is unharmed. He had visited Sri Harmandir Sahib to perform a religious penance assigned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The attacker, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, has been arrested. Reports indicate that Chaura is a former terrorist with ties to Babbar Khalsa International. He traveled to Pakistan in 1984 and was involved in smuggling weapons and explosives into Punjab during the early years of terrorism. Chaura is also implicated in the Burail jailbreak case and has previously served prison time.
The incident occurred around 9:30 am on Wednesday while Badal was near the gate of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Chaura approached and fired a pistol shot, but Badal’s security personnel quickly reacted, raising their hands and causing the bullet to fire into the air. The security team swiftly apprehended Chaura, who was then handed over to the police. An investigation is ongoing.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, another senior Akali leader, was positioned on the opposite side of the gate. The sound of gunfire caused alarm among the devotees present in Darbar Sahib.
Chaura, originally from Dera Baba Nanak, is said to be associated with Dal Khalsa. After firing the shot, the people around Sukhbir Badal quickly subdued him. Badal, who has a leg fracture, was seated while performing seva.
Sources revealed that the attacker had been seen near Sri Harmandir Sahib the previous day, prompting the police to remain alert. Some Akali leaders have expressed concerns about the police’s negligence in ensuring Badal’s security.
ADCP Harpal Singh confirmed that security measures were in place and that Sukhbir Badal was provided with adequate protection. He also mentioned that Chaura had visited the temple both the previous day and the morning of the attack, where he had bowed to Guru Ji. “No one was injured,” Harpal Singh stated.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar praised the police for preventing the attack. The swift actions of officers Rishpal Singh, Jasbir, and Parminder were instrumental in foiling the attempt. Chaura, with a criminal background, is now in police custody, and authorities are reviewing his past records, including weapons previously recovered from him.
