Narain Singh Chaura, the man now infamous for his audacious attempt on former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, is far more than a name on a police roster. He is a figure shrouded in controversy, deeply entrenched in the violent legacy of Punjab’s militancy era. From his connections to Khalistani groups to his role in daring Burail jailbreaks and arms smuggling, Chaura’s life is a saga of defiance, secrecy, and shadowy networks.

Chaura's attempt to shoot Sukhbir on Wednesday appeared to stem from a deep-seated animosity that has been brewing for years. Known for his fiery rhetoric against the Badals, Chaura has always viewed them as key figures responsible for the perceived betrayal of the Sikh community. His animosity traced back to the actions of Sukhbir’s father, Parkash Singh Badal, during his tenure as Punjab's Chief Minister, when Chaura and his supporters believed that the Badals were complicit in atrocities against the Sikhs. The desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib and the killing of Sikh youth were just some of the wounds Chaura has held onto over the years.

His deep dissatisfaction with the Badals only intensified after Sukhbir recently admitted to his party’s mistakes during their time in power, from 2007 to 2017, making the former militant see this as a betrayal of the very cause they once claimed to defend. Today’s attack was more than just a personal act of violence — it appeared to be the culmination of years of anger and frustration boiling over.

For Chaura, the Badals represent everything he believed has gone wrong with the Sikh leadership, and this move appeared to be his attempt at retribution.

He is also known for his active involvement in championing the causes of farmers and labourers. Over the years, he has emerged as a vocal leader advocating for the rights and welfare of the marginalized sections of society. His journey from grassroots activism to a position of significant influence reflected his dedication and resilience in addressing pressing social and economic issues. 

The Roots of a Militant Journey

Born on April 4, 1956, in the village of Chaura in Punjab’s Dera Baba Nanak region, Narain Singh Chaura grew up during a turbulent period in Indian history. The socio-political turmoil of the 1980s, marked by insurgency and calls for Khalistan, shaped his ideology and thrust him into militancy. Hailing from a modest background in Punjab, he reportedly fled to Pakistan in 1984, where he immersed himself in guerrilla warfare tactics and became a conduit for anti-India narratives. During his time in Pakistan, Chaura is said to have authored controversial literature, including a book titled ‘Khalistan Viruddh Saazish’, aimed at galvanizing support for Khalistani ideology. His connections to banned outfits like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Khalistan Liberation Force, and the Akal Federation made him a pivotal figure in the insurgency.

Criminal Record Steeped in Militancy

Chaura’s criminal dossier is extensive and grim. He has been implicated in nearly a dozen cases, including smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab. The districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar witnessed his involvement in multiple cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In 2013, he was arrested in Tarn Taran, leading to the discovery of a weapons cache in Mohali. His activities during this period were emblematic of Punjab’s struggle against insurgency. One of Chaura’s most infamous acts was his alleged mastermind role in the 2004 Burail Jailbreak. The jailbreak saw high-profile militants, including Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora, escape through a tunnel they dug while incarcerated for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Chaura reportedly aided them by smuggling essential supplies and even cutting off the jail’s electricity to facilitate their escape. This brazen act underscored his audacity and organizational capabilities.

The Anti-Badal Crusader

Chaura’s animosity toward the Badal family, especially Sukhbir and his father is long-standing. Labeling them as “traitors to the Sikh Panth”, Chaura accused them of orchestrating sacrileges and political betrayals. His grievances against the family became public in a local interview where he vowed to expose their alleged misdeeds. In 2013, intelligence agencies flagged Chaura as a potential threat to the Badals, prompting heightened security for the political family.

A Double Life

While his militant activities paint a picture of a hardened insurgent, Chaura maintained an alternate persona as a religious preacher. Under the pseudonym Ranbir Singh, he presented himself as a devout Sikh and Panthic leader, gaining followers and operating clandestinely. His base in Dera Baba Nanak served as a hub for his activities, from distributing propaganda to recruiting sympathizers. Chaura’s dual life extended to his personal sphere as well. His wife, Jasminder Kaur, claimed ignorance of his actions, stating that he left home on the pretense of attending religious gatherings. Their two sons, both lawyers, distanced themselves from his activities.

In Chaura’s native village, residents remain tight-lipped about his activities. Fear of reprisal and the shadow of his militant past discourage open dialogue. His notoriety extended beyond Punjab, with his name linked to insurgents and networks in Pakistan, further amplifying his infamy.

From a small village in Punjab to the corridors of militant operations in Pakistan, Chaura’s life is a microcosm of Punjab’s insurgency struggles. His journey reflected the turbulent history of a region grappling with its identity and sovereignty. While his recent attempt on Sukhbir thrust him back into the spotlight, it also reignited discussions about the deep scars of militancy that continue to linger in Punjab.

BOX

NARAIN SINGH CHAURA

·         Active during Punjab militancy phase in the 1980s

·         In 1984, he traveled to Pakistan and met with militant groups

·         In 2004, he played a key role in breaking out of the Burail Jail

·         In 2005, after being caught with fellow convicts, he participated in further militant activities

·         In 2010, a case was filed against him under the UAPA

·         In 2013, he was arrested again, and weapons, including RDX and firearms, were found in his possession

·         Released from prison on bail in 2013 after a court ruling

·         Continued connections with Khalistani elements; Admitted in an interview that he had the Badal family on his hitlist

·         On December 4, 2024, attempted to target former Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, Arrested