Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped injury when an attacker shot at him during his duty as a guardian at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The attacker was identified as Narain Singh and was quickly overpowered by bystanders. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Security arrangements at the temple were noted by Amritsar Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh, who confirmed that the attacker had been present the previous day and had paid homage before the attack. Former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema arrived at the scene after the incident occurred, with Cheema condemning it as a "big conspiracy" to destabilize Punjab.
Attempted Assassination of Sukhbir Singh Badal: A Detailed Account and Background
Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on January 11, 2023, while performing duties as a 'sewadar' (volunteer) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Background
Sukhbir Singh Badal is a prominent Sikh leader and politician who has served as the Chief Minister of Punjab thrice. He is the son of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. The SAD is a regional political party primarily based in Punjab.
Incident
At approximately 1:45 pm, Narain Singh, a man armed with a pistol, fired at Badal from a distance of about 10 feet. Bystanders quickly intervened, overpowering and disarming the attacker. Badal escaped uninjured.
Investigation
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Police are investigating Narain Singh's background and connections. Amritsar Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh stated that the attacker had visited the temple and paid homage the previous day.
Political Reactions
Former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Badal's wife, and SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation. Cheema accused political opponents of conspiring to destabilize Punjab.
Statement from Sukhbir Singh Badal
In a statement, Badal expressed gratitude for the quick response of the bystanders and the protection provided by the Golden Temple's security team. He emphasized that the safety and well-being of devotees remained his priority.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is Sukhbir Singh Badal? Sukhbir Singh Badal is a Sikh leader and former Chief Minister of Punjab from the Shiromani Akali Dal.
2. What happened on January 11, 2023? Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
3. Who was behind the attack? The attacker was identified as Narain Singh, who was overpowered by bystanders. The motive remains unclear.
4. What is the status of the investigation? Police are investigating Narain Singh's background and connections. Security arrangements at the temple are being reviewed.
5. What is the reaction from political leaders? Former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation.
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