Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan by Jaspal Singh in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal sustained a hand injury in the attack.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was allegedly targeted by the accused, identified as Jaspal Singh, over the former Punjab government’s handling of the drug issue, sources said.
According to the sources, the accused claimed that the SAD government had not taken sufficiently strict action against drugs when it was in power in Punjab, resulting in several youngsters being ruined by drug abuse.
Police are examining the accused’s statements from all angles, while Maharashtra ATS and central investigating agencies also questioned him till late Wednesday night. The political angle in the case is also being investigated by the police and central agencies, sources said.
Attack On Badal In Nanded
Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Badal was attacked near Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded Sahib at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra on Thursday.
According to reports, the attacker was a Nihang named Jaspal Singh, and he attacked Badal with a “kirpan” when the SAD chief was coming down the steps after visiting the shrine.
The attack took place at 1:30 pm, and the Nihang tried to stab Sukhbir Badal in the stomach, but the security personnel intervened and tried to stop him. In the attack, Badal sustained an injury to his hand, and he was rushed to Yashosai Hospital.
Inspector Suffers Injuries
Inspector Santosh Kendre, who was deployed in special security, suffered injuries while trying to stop the attacker near Mata Sahib Gurudwara at Hazur Sahib Nanded.
Nanded SP Rohan said there was no security lapse and that Badal was under full Z+ security cover at the time. The presence of security personnel allowed the attacker to be overpowered and taken into custody immediately.
Who Was The Attacker?
A 62-year-old Nihang named Jaspal Singh attacked Badal at Hazur Sahib Gurudwara. Jaspal Singh had been working at the Gurudwara for the past two years.
He originally hails from Pune and had reportedly worked as a lawyer in a Pune court before joining the staff at Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Mugat. During questioning, Singh reportedly told police, “Just felt like doing this.”
FIR Registered
An FIR has been registered in connection with the attack on Badal. The case has been registered against accused Jaspal Singh at the Mudkhed police station in Nanded in connection with the attack on former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Police have registered a case against the accused under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 353 (obstructing a government employee in the discharge of duty) of the IPC, along with Sections 4/25 of the Arms Act.
