A deadly attack on SAD chief Sukhbir Badal in Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra yesterday. He was attacked by a Nihang with a 'kirpan'.
Who attacked SAD chief Sukhbir Badal
SAD chief Sukhbir Badal was attacked by a Nihang on August 13, 2026. He was attacked by 62-year-old Jaspal Singh in a Gurdwara in Nanded where SAD chief Sukhbir Badal came to offer prayers with his family. One police officer was injured in the incident.
In the investigation it has been sourced that a case was registered against the attacker in 2010.
How did Jaspal Singh attack SAD chief Sukhbir Badal
This was the second time of the attack and even with security present, he had attacked him at Nanded Gurudwara Sahib while he was there with his family for Sarbat Da Bhala Ardaas. Jaspal Singh who stabbed SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and ran away later. SAD chief Sukhbir Badal was rushed to a private hospital in Nanded yesterday.
Badal shielded his upper body and chest from the blow, taking the impact on his forearm. He had deep cuts with 8 to 10 stitches but was declared stable and out of danger after surgery.
Why was SAD chief Sukhbir Badal attacked
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked because of the accused person's resentment over the former Punjab government's alleged inaction regarding the drug epidemic in Punjab.
Jaspal Singh was especially irked by how the SAD government handled the drug situation in Punjab. He said the government’s lack of action allowed drug abuse to ruin the lives of millions of Punjabi youths.
Investigation declares
Though the main motive cited by the police is the drug problem, police and intelligence agencies are investigating deeper conspiracy angles. It is the second major attempt on Badal's life after a December 2024 assassination bid outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The investigation is expected to focus on the accused’s background, previous criminal record, possible associates and the circumstances surrounding the attack. Security agencies are also examining whether the incident was carried out independently or whether others were involved.
Authorities are likely to question witnesses and review security footage to establish the full sequence of events and determine if there was any larger conspiracy.
