Wed Dec 04 12:37:04 UTC 2024: ## Shiromani Akali Dal Leader Sukhbir Badal Survives Assassination Attempt

**Amritsar, Punjab:** Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on [Date of incident – This information is missing from the provided text]. 68-year-old Narayan Singh Chaura, a known terrorist with a lengthy criminal history, allegedly fired at Badal while he was serving as a ‘sevadar’ (volunteer) outside the Golden Temple.

Chaura, a resident of Choura village in Gurdaspur district, has been implicated in numerous terror-related cases, including masterminding the 2004 jailbreak of several high-profile terrorists, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, Paramjit Singh Bheora, Jagtar Singh Tara, and Devi Singh, all convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. He had earlier been granted bail but subsequently declared a proclaimed offender in 2011 for failing to appear in court. He was finally arrested in 2013.

Further charges against Chaura include violations under the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2010, though he was acquitted in 2018. He was wanted by Punjab Police on dozens of terror-related charges. Reports suggest Chaura spent time in Pakistan from 1984, where he allegedly authored a book on guerrilla warfare and was involved in smuggling weapons and explosives into Punjab. He is also believed to have been associated with the Akali Federation, Khalistan Liberation Force, and Khalistan-supporting groups. A ₹10 lakh reward was offered for his capture during his time on the run. Interestingly, his brother served as a Market Committee Chairman during Congress rule.

While Badal escaped unharmed, the incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region. The police are currently investigating the matter.

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