Punjab's former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, who enjoys Z-plus security — the highest tier of protection after SPG cover — narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Wednesday morning while serving as a ‘sewadar’ (volunteer) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, as a part of his religious punishment (tankha).
The incident unfolded dramatically when Narain Singh Chaura, an alleged Khalistani militant, attempted to shoot Sukhbir at the shrine’s entrance. Quick action by Sukhbir’s security team and fellow volunteers averted a tragedy, as they disarmed the attacker and subdued him on the spot. Media personnel, covering the ‘Day 2’ of Sukhbir’s punishment, captured the chilling moment when Chaura approached Sukhbir, pulled out a pistol, and aimed to fire.
In a shocking incident that disrupted the sanctity of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Sukhbir was attacked when he was performing ‘seva’ (voluntary service). Dressed in a blue ‘sewadar’ uniform and seated in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, Sukhbir was holding a spear and standing guard at Guru Ram Das Dwar entrance. Chaura, disguised as a devotee, approached under the pretense of offering prayers. At close range, he suddenly pulled out a pistol from his jacket and fired at Sukhbir. A swift-thinking Punjab Police cop, dressed in kurta-pajama, pushed Chaura’s hand upward, deflecting the bullet into the temple wall, sparing the intended target — Sukhbir Badal.
Chaura, a resident of Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur and a member of the pro-Khalistani outfit Dal Khalsa, has a history of militancy and involvement in high-profile crimes. He was previously implicated in the 2004 Burail Jail break case, where he orchestrated the escape of Babbar Khalsa terrorists, including assassins of the former Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and tense. The gunshot reverberated through the temple premises, causing panic among devotees. Chaura attempted to flee but was immediately apprehended by Sukhbir’s security detail, assisted by on-duty police officers. He was disarmed and taken into custody.
Investigators revealed that Chaura had been stalking Sukhbir’s movements since the previous day, blending into the crowd in a white kurta-pyjama. On the day of the attack, he positioned himself near Sukhbir’s seat and waited for the right moment. However, the vigilance of Sukhbir’s security team foiled his plan, averting a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, who visited the scene, confirmed Chaura's arrest and the recovery of his weapon. Preliminary investigations suggested that the attack stemmed from Chaura's grievances over alleged sacrilege incidents and the controversial pardon granted to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh during the SAD-led Government’s tenure.
“An in-depth investigation is underway to uncover any potential conspiracies behind the attack…We are examining his links to extremist groups and his intentions. His long-standing involvement in militancy raises serious concerns,” Bhullar said, adding that the security around the Golden Temple has since been heightened.
The assassination attempt has ignited a political firestorm, with SAD leaders questioning the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government's ability to maintain law and order. SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema expressed gratitude for the swift actions of security personnel but criticized the state government for the deteriorating security situation in the state. “This is a grave incident. I urge Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ensure Punjab does not regress into an era of unrest. We demand a high-level judicial inquiry into this matter,” Cheema stated.
Sukhbir, shaken but unharmed, vowed to continue his ‘seva’ undeterred. “I thank Guru Nanak for saving me and also the courage of those who intervened. No act of violence will deter us from fulfilling our religious duties,” he said.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state and reignited conversations about the lingering shadows of militancy in Punjab. Following the incident, security at the Golden Temple has been heightened. Armed personnel have been deployed, and additional surveillance measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents.
Public reactions have been a mix of shock and concern. Many devotees at the Golden Temple expressed relief over Sukhbir’s escape but questioned the lax security measures that allowed such an incident to occur. Others highlighted the gravity of the attack, warning against the resurgence of militancy in Punjab. As the investigation deepens, the incident serves as a grim reminder of Punjab's tumultuous history and the ongoing challenges to its peace and stability.
Hours later, Sukhbir Resumed 'Seva'
In a remarkable display of resilience and devotion, Sukhbir Badal was seen washing utensils at the Golden Temple just hours after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt. A video clip, going viral, captured the former Deputy Chief Minister, dressed in a blue sewadar uniform and seated in a wheelchair, performing ‘seva’ as part of a religious punishment mandated by the Akal Takht for past missteps.
Despite the harrowing attack, which was thwarted by quick-thinking security personnel, Sukhbir resumed his service, reaffirming his commitment to the directive. SAD’s working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder lauded Sukhbir’s determination to continue the spiritual practice even under life-threatening circumstances. Over the past two days, Sukhbir has been dutifully fulfilling tasks such as washing utensils and cleaning shoes as part of his punishment.
