Sukhbir Badal attack: 62-year-old Jaspal Singh arrested in Nanded, probe underway

A 62-year-old man, identified as Jaspal Singh and originally from Pune, has been arrested in connection with the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday, as per ET Bureau.

Singh was arrested on the spot after allegedly attacking Badal with a kirpan when the SAD chief came out after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat.

Also Read: 'Violence has no place especially on the soil of our sacred Takhts': BJP, Akal Takht condemn Sukhbir Badal attack

Who is Jaspal Singh?

Jaspal Singh, who is originally from Pune, has been serving at the Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Mugat, near Nanded, for the past two years, according to the information available.

Police have taken Singh into custody and are questioning him to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and his motive.

How was Badal attacked?

Badal was visiting the gurdwara on Thursday when Singh allegedly attacked him as he came out after paying respects.

The incident took place at around 1:45 pm. Singh was dressed in Nihang attire and allegedly attacked Badal with a kirpan.

Badal suffered a minor injury to his hand and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. A local official said he received two to three stitches on his hand.

The SAD said Badal was fine and in “Chardi Kala”, or high spirits, after the incident.

Security guard also injured

SAD spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said Singh attempted to attack Badal but was stopped by the security guards accompanying the party chief.

A security guard was also reported to have sustained injuries during the incident.

Badal is a Z+ security protectee.

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

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the attack and spoke to Badal to enquire about his health.

Police probe underway

Singh remains in police custody as investigators question him about the attack.

The arrest comes amid calls from SAD leaders for a thorough investigation into the incident and the security arrangements around Badal.

This was the second major attack on Badal in recent years. In December 2024, former terrorist Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at him outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar but missed. Badal escaped unhurt in that incident.