“An unfortunate incident…”: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Strongly Condemns Attack on Sukhbir Badal, Orders a Thorough Probe

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday strongly condemned the gunfire attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on the steps of the Golden Temple. He lauded the prompt action taken by the Punjab police in arresting the accused on spot and foiling an attempt to “defame Punjab and Punjabis.” In the aftermath of the attack, both Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal have hit out at the ruling AAP for its handling of law and order in the state.

"It is an unfortunate incident. Due to the alertness of Punjab Police personnel, a big incident was averted. The accused was arrested on the spot. I am in touch with senior officials in the Police and the DGP. I have ordered them to conduct a thorough probe into the incident. Very soon, the motive behind the attack will be known. We will not allow such conspiracies which aim to defame the state to be successful. I strongly condemn the attack on Sukhbir Badal,” said the Chief Minister of Punjab. He assured that a “strict and unbiased” investigation will be conducted and those found guilty will be punished.

The attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal has stirred a massive political controversy, with both the Congress and SAD criticizing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government for its handling of law and order.

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema called for a judicial inquiry, describing the attack as part of a "big conspiracy" to plunge Punjab back into chaos. "I want to ask Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann what he has done for the state," Cheema said.


Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also blamed the AAP government for what he called "100% negligence" in the incident. "This shows the condition of the law and order situation in Punjab. The ACP should be suspended, and immediate action should be taken against him," Warring demanded. "The government is waiting for someone to be killed, and then they can say it was a lapse... There might be hatred for Sukhbir Badal in the minds of Sikhs, but it doesn't mean you will shoot him,” he added.

Earlier today, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The incident took place as Badal, who was performing his penance, was seated in a wheelchair at the entrance of the temple. The assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, opened fire at the former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, but the bullet missed its target, striking a nearby wall. The shooter was quickly subdued by bystanders and handed over to the police.​