Thu Dec 05 14:14:47 UTC 2024: ## Shiromani Akali Dal Leader Survives Assassination Attempt at Golden Temple
**Amritsar, Punjab, India** – Shiromani Akali Dal veteran Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped assassination on Wednesday at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A gunman, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, opened fire on Badal, who was performing penance at the sacred site. However, quick action by two police officers, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Jasveer Singh and Hira Singh, prevented the attack from being successful.
Badal, who had been ordered to perform community service at the Golden Temple as part of a religious penance, expressed his gratitude to the officers, praising their bravery and loyalty in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The former Deputy Chief Minister stated that he and his family could never repay their debt for saving his life.
The gunman, Chaura, fired a single shot from a 9mm handgun which missed Badal and struck a wall. Police apprehended Chaura immediately following the incident. Amritsar Police chief Gurpreet Singh Bhullar commended the officers’ swift response, crediting their alertness with preventing a murder.
Investigations have revealed that Chaura has alleged links to the Babbar Khalsa, a Khalistani terrorist group, and is suspected of involvement in the 2004 Burail jailbreak. Police sources further suggest his involvement with Pakistani terrorist networks and arms smuggling in the past.
Despite the near-fatal incident, Badal continued his community service on Thursday at the Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib. The attempted assassination has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the political spectrum. Police are continuing their investigation into Chaura’s motives and potential accomplices.
First Piper 