Sukhbir Singh Badal Stable After Surgery Following Kirpan Attack at Nanded Gurdwara

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal is in stable condition after undergoing a 90-minute surgery following a kirpan attack inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded district. Doctors confirmed that the former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister is out of danger, while police continue to investigate the motive behind the assault.

Officials said Badal is expected to be discharged from the hospital and flown back to Punjab after completing post-operative medical observation.

Attack Took Place Inside Nanded Gurdwara

The incident occurred on Thursday at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat, located on the outskirts of Nanded. According to police, Badal was allegedly attacked by a member of the Nihang order while visiting the shrine.

Visuals from the hospital showed the SAD leader walking with a bandaged right hand before undergoing surgery.

The attack has raised fresh security concerns, especially since Badal had survived another assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar in December 2024.

Doctors Say Badal Is Out of Danger

Following the attack, Badal was rushed to Yashosai Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery lasting nearly one and a half hours.

According to the medical team, the SAD chief suffered a sharp penetrating injury that damaged a tendon and affected the ulnar artery and nerve in his right hand.

Doctors successfully repaired the damaged tendon, artery and nerve, confirming that his condition is stable and he is no longer in danger.

Hospital authorities said he is likely to receive discharge later on Friday, subject to final medical clearance.

Police Probe Motive Behind Attack

Police have identified the accused as Jaspal Singh, a man aged between 60 and 62 years.

Investigators said Singh holds degrees in commerce and law and has been living in Pune with his family. For the past two years, he had been serving as a sewadar (volunteer) at the Nanded gurdwara while staying alone in the city.

Authorities have not yet established the motive behind the attack and are questioning the accused as part of the ongoing investigation.

Attempt to Murder Case Registered

Police have registered a case against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Attempt to murder
• Voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons
• Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to a public servant while performing official duties

Further investigation is underway to determine whether the attack was pre-planned or motivated by any personal or ideological reasons.

Background

Sukhbir Singh Badal has been one of Punjab's prominent political leaders for decades and currently heads the Shiromani Akali Dal. The latest attack comes less than two years after he survived an assassination attempt near the Golden Temple, prompting renewed concerns over his security arrangements.

Authorities are expected to review security protocols as the investigation progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Sukhbir Singh Badal is stable after a 90-minute surgery following the kirpan attack.
• Doctors repaired injuries to his tendon, ulnar artery and nerve.
• The attack occurred inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded.
• Police have arrested accused Jaspal Singh and registered an attempt to murder case.
• Investigators are still probing the motive behind the attack.