Sukhbir Singh Badal Attacked at Nanded Gurdwara by Nihang: Security Questions Rise After Second Attack

In what marked a shocking sequence of events, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal found himself at the receiving end of an alleged attack by a Nihang, a member of a Sikh sect. Badal, who had arrived in Nanded with his wife Harsimrat Kaur and some of his close associates for a three-day visit, was said to be participating in the daily routine at a gurdwara in the western Indian city. The incident brought into sharp focus the growing tensions within the Sikh community in recent times..

The news of Badal’s alleged attack sent shockwaves through the Sikh community in India, as the politician remained in hospital undergoing treatment for the injuries he suffered during the incident. Badal’s visit to Nanded was significant, as the city is home to a major Sikh shrine, with a large number of devotees flocking to the city from across the country. Sources close to Badal’s family confirmed that he was indeed in Nanded for a three-day stay.

Where the Attack Took Place

The incident took place at a gurdwara in Nanded, a city with deep significance in Sikh history.

Nanded is home to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts, or seats of Sikh authority.

The city attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad, making security at its major religious sites particularly important during visits by prominent political leaders.

Badal’s presence in Nanded was part of a multi-day visit, and his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, was also present during the trip.

The attack inside a religious complex has heightened concern because gurdwaras are generally regarded as places of worship, community service and spiritual reflection.

The incident therefore generated shock well beyond the political sphere.

The location itself has become a major part of the discussion surrounding the attack.

As per eyewitness accounts, Badal was at the gurdwara langar hall, a place where devotees gather for meals, when the alleged attack took place. The gurdwara, a place of worship and spiritual growth, has been a key location for many Sikh events and gatherings in the past. In this particular instance, the gurdwara seemed to have turned into a battleground, with Badal allegedly being attacked by the Nihang, a member of the Sikh community known for their distinctive attire and traditions..

The details surrounding the attack on Badal are still unfolding, with various versions emerging over the course of the past few days. According to reports, the Nihang allegedly stormed the gurdwara, armed with a kirpan, a traditional Sikh dagger, before attacking Badal. Witnesses claimed that the Nihang was overpowered and arrested later, but not before inflicting serious injuries on the politician..

Sources close to Badal’s family confirmed that the politician was rushed to a hospital after the incident and is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries. The extent of Badal’s injuries remains unclear, but it is understood that he suffered a severe blow to the head, leaving him with serious medical complications. As news of the attack spread, supporters and well-wishers from across the country began pouring in, wishing him a speedy recovery.

A Second Attack on Sukhbir Badal

The Nanded incident comes less than two years after an assassination attempt against Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

In December 2024, former militant Narain Singh Chaura approached Badal while he was performing a religious punishment, or sewa, outside the Golden Temple.

Chaura opened fire at Badal.

A Punjab Police officer intervened and grabbed the attacker’s arm, causing the shot to miss Badal and strike a nearby wall.

Chaura was subsequently arrested.

The 2024 attack raised serious questions about how an armed individual was able to get close to a politician with Z-plus protection inside one of India’s most heavily visited religious sites.

The latest Nanded incident has revived those concerns.

Badal has now faced attacks at two major Sikh religious sites.

That has prompted questions about whether existing security procedures are adequate when protected political figures visit gurdwaras.

The incident has sparked a heated debate within the Sikh community, with many calling for calm and restraint. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the governing body of Sikh shrines, has issued a statement condemning the alleged attack and vowing to cooperate with the investigation. In the meantime, the police have taken the Nihang into custody, with the officer in charge confirming that a thorough investigation into the incident was underway..

The incident took place just a day after the Nanded gurdwara langar hall was the venue for the daily distribution of free meals, a tradition that is an integral part of Sikh rituals. The gurdwara langar hall is also known for its large kitchen, where hundreds of devotees gather for their meal. This sense of community and togetherness was disrupted on that fateful day when the Nihang allegedly stormed the hall..

In the aftermath of the attack, the Indian government and various Sikh leaders issued a joint statement calling for restraint and expressing shock at the incident. We understand that the Sikh community is going through a difficult time, but we urge all to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, said the joint statement. Badal’s family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love from across the country..

His wife Harsimrat Kaur was seen visiting him in hospital, along with some of his close associates. The Badal family has been at the centre of many controversies in recent years, and the alleged attack has once again raised questions about the party’s handling of sensitive issues. In the days leading up to the alleged attack, tensions within the Sikh community had been simmering..

A major incident involving a prominent Sikh leader had taken place earlier in the month, sparking a wave of protests and demonstrations across the country. The simmering tensions seemed to have come to a head with the alleged attack on Badal. As the investigation into the incident continues, many questions remain unanswered..

How could the Nihang have managed to breach the gurdwara hall? What was the motive behind the attack? Was it a pre-planned attack or a sudden outburst of anger?.

Only time will tell if the truth behind this incident will come to light. A massive police investigation is ongoing to gather evidence and identify those responsible for the alleged attack on Badal. The case is being monitored closely by the top officials in the state, who have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice..

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what other developments this case will bring. As the Sikh community struggles to come to terms with the alleged attack on one of its prominent leaders, the incident has brought into sharp focus the deepening divisions within the community. Whether the attack was a isolated incident or a symptom of a deeper problem, remains to be seen..

One thing is clear, however – the alleged attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal has left the Sikh community shaken and grappling with the consequences of a violent act that has torn them apart..