Sukhbir Singh Badal Injured in Attack Near Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded

Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a hand injury on Thursday morning after being attacked by an assailant near Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded. The incident, described as potentially fatal, occurred at approximately 11 am.

According to initial details confirmed by Nanded Police, the attacker targeted Badal with a sharp-edged weapon. Inspector Santosh Kendre, a police officer serving as part of Badal's security detail, was also injured while intervening to halt the attack.

Following the assault, Badal was taken to a private hospital in Nanded for medical treatment. A viral video from the facility showed the SAD leader walking into the hospital himself under tight security. He appeared calm as he entered for treatment, with a saffron cloth tightly tied around his right hand.

Nanded Police confirmed that law enforcement personnel have detained one alleged attacker, reported to be a Nihang Singh. Authorities stated that further investigation is underway, and the specific identity and motive of the assailant are yet to be fully ascertained.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Badal had visited Takht Sri Patna Sahib with his family before travelling to Nanded. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the attack and the full extent of Badal's injuries are awaited.

The incident follows a previous assassination attempt that Badal survived on December 4, 2024, at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. During that event, a gunman fired a shot that missed Badal and hit a wall while he was performing religious penance, after which bystanders subdued the shooter.