Amritsar: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple on Wednesday when a gunman approached and opened fire while Badal was performing his duties as a ‘sewadar.’ The attacker, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was subdued by bystanders and security personnel before he could inflict harm.
Footage from the incident shows Chaura calmly walking toward Badal, who was seated in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, and pulling a gun from his pocket. A vigilant individual nearby grabbed the shooter’s hands, causing the bullet to hit a wall instead. Badal emerged unscathed from the attack.
CM Mann Commends Police Efficiency
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lauded the prompt response of the Punjab Police in averting a potential tragedy. “The police’s swift action thwarted an attempt to defame Punjab and Punjabis. I strongly condemn the attack and have ordered an immediate investigation,” Mann stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Punjab’s police officials, including Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, credited the security team for their vigilance. Bhullar revealed that Chaura, a resident of Dera Baba Nanak with a criminal history, was apprehended on the spot. “Our personnel, including Constable Rishpal Singh, displayed commendable alertness and foiled the attack,” he added.
Opposition Criticizes Law and Order in Punjab
The assassination bid sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including members of the SAD and Congress, who blamed the AAP-led state government for deteriorating law and order.
SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema expressed grave concerns, saying, “This is a serious incident. Punjab is being pushed into turmoil. The CM must ensure accountability and order a high-level judicial inquiry.”
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring echoed the sentiment, calling the attack a result of government negligence. “This incident reflects the poor state of Punjab’s law and order. The assailant must face the strictest punishment,” he stated, demanding the suspension of responsible officials.
Background and Security Details
Sukhbir Badal is currently undergoing religious punishment imposed by the Akal Takht, during which he serves as a ‘sewadar’ at the Golden Temple. The attack has intensified the political discourse in Punjab, with opposition parties rallying against the state government while CM Mann continues to defend the administration’s efforts to maintain security.
Police investigations are ongoing, with officials probing Chaura’s motives and his criminal record to determine any larger conspiracy.
 leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple on Wednesday when a gunman approached and opened fire while Badal was performing his duties as a 'sewadar.' The attacker, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was subdued by bystanders and security personnel before he could inflict harm.){kind=link}