Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked in Maharashtra’s Nanded, guard injured

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked near Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday, police said. He was subsequently hospitalised and his condition is reported to be stable.

A police officer from Badal’s security team also sustained injuries in the incident, according to reports.

According to PTI, officials said one person was detained in connection with the incident, which took place around 1:45 pm.


Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the attack and sought details from the Nanded Superintendent of Police, ANI reported, citing CMO sources. The CMO sources said the accused was arrested immediately and that the investigation will establish the motive behind the attack.

Fadnavis also spoke to Badal over the phone. During the conversation, Badal told the Maharashtra chief minister that he was stable, ANI reported.

Badal was visiting Takht Sri Hazur Sahib with his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who is an SAD MP, when the incident took place.

Senior SAD leader Virsa Singh Valtoha condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation.

“There should be a thorough probe. Who are the forces behind such attack?” Valtoha said.

The incident has also brought back memories of a similar attack on Badal in December 2024. Former terrorist Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Badal outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, but missed him.

The 2024 attack was captured on camera by media personnel who were present outside the Golden Temple as Badal was serving a penance for “mistakes” committed by the SAD government in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.

Further details about Thursday’s incident, including the identity of the accused and the motive, are awaited as the investigation continues.

(With inputs from agencies)