Nanded, Maharashtra — SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered a minor hand injury after being attacked with a sharp weapon at a gurdwara in Nanded; police detained the alleged attacker.

Sukhbir Singh Badal Attacked Inside Nanded Gurdwara

Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a sharp weapon, reportedly a kirpan, during a visit to a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13. The incident occurred around 11 AM in the Mata Sahib Kaur area after Badal had arrived in the city from Punjab.

Badal suffered a minor injury to his hand during the incident and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. Reports said he was undergoing treatment at Yashosai Hospital and was out of danger.

Security personnel present at the site immediately intervened and brought the situation under control. Police detained one alleged attacker shortly after the incident and began questioning him as part of an investigation into the motive behind the assault.

Inspector Santosh Kendre, who was deployed as part of Badal's security arrangements, was also injured while attempting to protect the SAD chief. His injuries were reported to be minor.

The attack has raised questions over security at high-profile public and religious visits. Badal has security protection, and police personnel were present when the incident occurred. Investigators are examining how the alleged attacker managed to approach him closely enough to launch the assault.

Officials have not yet publicly established the motive behind the attack. Police are continuing their investigation and are expected to examine the sequence of events, the alleged attacker's background and whether anyone else was involved.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought a detailed report from authorities following the attack and directed police to investigate the motive behind the incident. Fadnavis also spoke to Badal and enquired about his condition. Maharashtra government sources continue to identify Fadnavis as the state's Chief Minister.

Political leaders condemned the violence and wished the Akali Dal leader a speedy recovery. The location of the incident has added to concerns because the assault occurred at a Sikh religious site during Badal's visit. Police presence around the area was strengthened following the attack as investigators continued questioning the detained suspect.

Thursday's incident comes less than two years after Badal survived another attack at a prominent Sikh religious site. On December 4, 2024, a gunman opened fire at him near the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar while he was performing duties as a sewadar. Badal escaped unharmed in that incident after people at the site intervened.

The latest Nanded assault has again brought attention to Badal's security arrangements. For now, the SAD chief is reported to be stable and out of danger after suffering a minor hand injury, while Maharashtra Police continue their investigation into the circumstances and motive behind the attack.