Sukhbir Badal Attacked With Sharp Weapon at Nanded Sahib, Condition Stable

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra on Thursday. According to the information available, Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was taken to a private hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable. A video showing the hospital has also surfaced. A staff member accompanying Sukhbir Badal was also injured while attempting to protect the Akali Dal leader during the incident. The incident took place at around 11 a.m. when Sukhbir Badal had gone to Mata Sahib Kaur Gurdwara at Nanded Sahib along with his supporters and security personnel. The gurdwara is located on the outskirts of the city and is surrounded by a forested area. According to the information, the alleged attacker took advantage of the crowd at the gurdwara and approached Badal carrying a weapon. The person, identified in the available information as a Nihang Sikh, allegedly attacked him and was subsequently taken into custody. A vigilant security guard intervened and managed to prevent the attack from causing more harm. However, the guard was seriously injured in the process, while Sukhbir Badal suffered an injury to his hand. A sharp-edged weapon was reportedly used in the attack. The incident comes after an earlier attack on Sukhbir Badal in Amritsar. On December 4, former Khalistani militant Narain Singh Chaura had attacked Badal outside the Golden Temple while he was performing duty as a 'sewadar'.