Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the phone with Member of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal to enquire about the health of her husband and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, following a violent incident in Maharashtra’s Nanded. Expressing concern over the security breach, PM Modi condemned the act, describing violence within the sacred premises of a gurdwara as deeply unfortunate and wishing the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab a speedy recovery.
The attack occurred inside the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji complex in Nanded, where Badal had gone with his family to pay respects. He sustained an injury to his hand when an assailant approached with a sharp weapon, while a member of his security detail was also injured during the confrontation. Badal was taken to a local medical facility for treatment, where his condition was confirmed to be stable.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis subsequently contacted Badal to check on his well-being and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Local law enforcement swiftly arrested the suspect at the scene and launched an inquiry to ascertain the motive behind the assault.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism across political and religious spectrums. SAD national vice-president Sanjeev Talwar termed the incident an assault on the core spirit of unity and harmony in Punjab, while raising concerns over security arrangements for a leader protected under the Z+ security category. The episode comes nearly two years after a similar high-profile attempt on Badal’s life outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, sparking renewed demands for strict accountability regarding high-level protection protocols.
