Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews | December 4, 2024 | Amritsar: In a shocking incident on Wednesday morning, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, was allegedly shot at by an elderly man at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The police have identified the assailant as 68-year-old Narayan Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant with a history of violent acts.
According to sources within the Punjab Police, Chaura, a resident of Gurdaspur district—about 75 kilometers from Amritsar—opened fire on Sukhbir while he was carrying out a religious duty at the temple. The incident occurred during the second day of Badal’s penance after being sentenced by the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh religious authority, for religious violations.
Witnesses report that following the gunfire, the assailant was quickly subdued by devotees present at the scene and handed over to the police. Authorities have confirmed that Badal was unharmed in the attack, which unfolded despite strict security measures in place at the revered site.
Narayan Singh Chaura, once a key figure in the Khalistani movement, is believed to have been involved in several violent activities dating back to the 1980s. He was reportedly a major player in smuggling explosives and firearms from Pakistan into Punjab during the insurgency. In 2004, Chaura was implicated in the infamous Burail Jailbreak, an event that further solidified his notoriety. He has been a wanted fugitive for decades and is believed to have deep-rooted grievances related to the ongoing India-Canada tensions.
ADCP Harpal Singh, a senior officer from the Amritsar Police, assured the public that the security protocols for Sukhbir Singh Badal’s visit had been thoroughly followed. “There was adequate security in place. Sukhbirji had been given proper cover. The assailant, Narayan Singh Chaura, was even present at the temple the previous day and had paid homage before the incident took place,” said Singh.
This latest attack has raised concerns about the escalating security risks for prominent political figures, especially in regions with a history of militancy. Investigations are underway to understand the motives behind Chaura’s actions, though some experts suggest that the attack could be linked to the larger geopolitical context of the India-Canada conflict and the Sikh separatist movement.
It is important to note that Sukhbir Singh Badal’s presence at the Golden Temple was a result of a religious punishment imposed by the Akal Takht. The Shiromani Akali Dal leader had been found guilty of committing religious offenses, leading to his removal from the party presidency and the imposition of his penance. As part of his punishment, Badal was instructed to listen to kirtan (devotional hymns) and serve as a “sevadar” (volunteer) at the Golden Temple, a sacred duty for Sikh devotees.
This incident has sparked a fresh debate about the intersection of politics, religion, and security in Punjab, particularly as the region remains sensitive to issues surrounding Sikh identity and historical grievances. Authorities are exploring all angles of the attack, including possible links to extremist factions.
As investigations continue, there are growing calls for enhanced security measures at places of worship and public gathering, particularly for high-profile individuals involved in sensitive political and religious matters.