Cop foils assassination attempt on Sukhbir Badal.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while performing his duties as a ‘sewadar’ outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The shocking incident took place during a religious gathering when a gunman opened fire on Badal, aiming to end the veteran politician’s life.
Badal, known for his deep connection to Sikh religious practices, often volunteers as a sewadar at the Golden Temple, where he assists with community services. On this occasion, his presence at the sacred site was met with a violent attempt on his life, leaving devotees and onlookers stunned.
The attack was swiftly foiled by an alert police officer stationed nearby, who tackled the gunman and prevented further shots from being fired. The quick action of the officer not only saved Badal’s life but also averted a potential tragedy at one of Sikhism’s holiest sites. The gunman was immediately apprehended, and an investigation into the motive behind the assassination attempt is underway.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos and panic following the gunfire, with devotees scrambling for cover. Despite the incident, Badal remained composed and expressed gratitude to the officer and the community for their support.
Security around the Golden Temple has been tightened, and authorities are on high alert to ensure the safety of visitors. The foiled assassination attempt has raised concerns about the safety of political leaders in Punjab, a state with a history of political unrest.
The swift presence of mind and decisive action by Amritsar Police ASI Jasbir Singh prevented an assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at the entrance of the Golden Temple on Wednesday. Badal, who was performing the voluntary service of a ‘sewadar’ (caretaker) at the sacred site, narrowly escaped harm thanks to the vigilant officer.
The incident occurred when the assailant, identified as Chaura, approached Badal, positioned just a few meters away, and drew a pistol with the intent to shoot. In a split second, ASI Jasbir Singh intervened, grabbing hold of the attacker before he could pull the trigger. The struggle caused the firearm to discharge a bullet harmlessly into the air, averting what could have been a deadly attack.
As Jasbir Singh restrained Chaura, two other ASIs, Rashpal Singh and Parminder Singh, quickly joined in to overpower the would-be assassin. Their coordinated effort ensured that Chaura was subdued without causing harm to anyone present, maintaining calm in the otherwise sacred and serene environment of the Golden Temple complex.
The foiled attempt drew widespread condemnation from across Punjab. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, the highest authority of Sikh temporal affairs, strongly denounced the attack. He emphasized that targeting someone engaged in ‘sewa’ within the Golden Temple was not just an assault on an individual but an affront to the sanctity of the Sikh religion.
The Jathedar called for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the motives behind the assassination attempt and identify any conspirators involved. “This attack is deeply concerning, especially because it occurred within the Golden Temple, a place of peace and devotion. The culprits must be exposed, and their intentions must be thoroughly investigated,” he stated.
The incident has heightened security concerns, prompting authorities to increase police presence around the Golden Temple and other key locations in Amritsar. The safety of political leaders, particularly in Punjab—a state with a complex history of political violence—has become a top priority.
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Sukhbir Singh Badal remained composed and expressed gratitude to the police officers who acted swiftly to protect him. He also thanked the community for their prayers and support, emphasizing the need for unity and vigilance in times of crisis.