Former Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal Survives Shooting at Golden Temple
Amritsar, 4th December 2024: Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple on Wednesday. The incident occurred while Badal was serving as a sevadar at the temple’s gate, fulfilling a directive from the Akal Takht as penance for pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
The attacker, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, fired a pistol at Badal but was thwarted by Badal’s alert security personnel. The bullet missed its intended target, striking a wall of the Golden Temple instead. Security forces quickly subdued the assailant, preventing any further harm.
How the Attack Unfolded
Disguised as a worshipper: The attacker approached the Golden Temple under the pretext of paying obeisance.
Suspicious movements: Security personnel had been monitoring Chaura, a member of the Dal Khalsa and a known figure from the 1984 terrorism era, due to his suspicious behavior.
Attempted shooting: As Chaura neared Badal, he pulled out a pistol from his jacket and fired. Quick action by security personnel thwarted the attack by diverting the aim upward.
Immediate arrest: The accused was apprehended by police constables Rachpal Singh and Parminder Singh before he could flee.
Police and Political Reactions
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Bhullar confirmed the arrest of Narayan Singh Chaura, a resident of Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. Chaura has ties to Dal Khalsa and has been linked to past extremist activities, including a jailbreak in Chandigarh.
“An investigation is underway to uncover the motive behind the attack and any potential conspiracies,” Bhullar stated.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Dr. Daljit Cheema raised concerns about possible political connections, claiming that Chaura may have ties to individuals linked to Congress MP Sukhjinder Randhawa.
Security Tightened at the Golden Temple
Following the incident, security was heightened around the Golden Temple to prevent any further disturbances. Sukhbir Singh Badal has been placed under additional protection.
