ശിരോമണി അകാലിദൾ നേതാവ് സുഖ്ബീർ സിങ് ബാദലിനു നേരെ വധശ്രമം

Wed Dec 04 04:28:26 UTC 2024: ## Former Punjab Deputy CM Survives Assassination Attempt at Golden Temple

**Amritsar, Punjab, December 4, 2024** – Sukhbir Singh Badal, a prominent Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, survived an assassination attempt today at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A man identified as Narein Singh Chaura opened fire on Badal, who was reportedly undergoing a pre-determined punishment at the site. While shots were fired, Badal escaped unharmed. Chaura was immediately apprehended by security personnel and bystanders.

The attack occurred while Badal was serving a punishment imposed by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhism. The punishment, stemming from alleged religious improprieties during Badal’s time as a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal government (2007-2017), included cleaning the temple’s kitchens and restrooms, performing guard duty, and wearing a placard around his neck. Several other members of the Akali Dal government also received similar punishments. Following the punishments, Badal resigned as president of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Chaura, reportedly a member of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist group, has a history of violent crime and has served time in prison in Punjab. National media reports link him to smuggling large quantities of weapons and explosives into Punjab from Pakistan in 1984, as well as a jailbreak from Burail Jail.

Police are investigating the incident and further details are awaited. The incident has raised serious security concerns regarding the protection of high-profile individuals within religious sites.