Former Punjab Deputy CM and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt early Wednesday morning. The assailant, Narayan Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant, was swiftly overpowered by gurdwara sewadars and handed over to the police.
The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. when Badal, using a wheelchair, was performing guard duty at the temple’s entrance as part of a “punishment” assigned by the Akal Takht Sahib. Visuals from the scene show Chaura approaching the gate and pulling out a firearm, before being overpowered by a vigilant bystander and gurudwara officials.
Badal emerged unscathed from the alleged attack. The Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, condemned the incident, calling it an assault on the sanctity of the Golden Temple and on the tradition of “sewa.” He urged the government to ensure a thorough investigation.
“This was not merely an attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal but on a sewadar performing his duty at the Darbar Sahib. Such actions must be condemned, and we urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation,” said the Jathedar.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also issued a statement strongly condemning the attack. “The Punjab Police acted swiftly, preventing a major tragedy. Their promptness in apprehending the assailant foiled a conspiracy aimed at defaming Punjab and Punjabis,” he said, directing the police to expedite the investigation.
Shooter’s Militant Background
The attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, is a known figure with a controversial past. Born in Chaura village, Gurdaspur, in 1956, he has been linked to militant organizations such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Khalistan Liberation Force. Chaura is also accused of aiding high-profile militants, including those responsible for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Chaura, an author and translator of Khalistani literature, studied at the Sikh Missionary College in Amritsar and holds a Master’s degree in Political Science. His works include Khalistan Virudh Sajish and translations of speeches by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
In the past, Chaura was implicated in various criminal activities, including smuggling weapons and explosives. He was arrested in 2013 for aiding the masterminds of the Burail jailbreak case. His connections with militant networks, both within India and across the border in Pakistan, have long been a concern for security agencies.
Sukhbir Badal’s penance
Sukhbir Singh Badal was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Five High Priests (Panj Singh Sahiban), led by Akal Takht Chief Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. As a punishment to promote humility and service, he was directed to volunteer as a sewadar (servant) at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and other Takhts in Punjab.
His duties include sitting at the temple entrance from 9 AM to 10 AM in traditional sewadar attire, performing sewa (service) in Langar halls, cleaning the premises, and maintaining restrooms at Gurudwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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