Sikh leader Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked with kirpan at Maharashtra gurdwara

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur on the outskirts of Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday. The attack occurred while Badal was walking towards the langar hall after paying respects at the shrine.

Badal suffered an injury to his right hand and was taken to a nearby hospital. He is reported to be out of danger. Security personnel present at the scene overpowered the attacker, described as a Nihang in blue attire and reportedly in his mid-sixties, and handed him over to the local police for questioning. The attacker's identity has not yet been revealed.

The gurdwara where the incident took place is under the control of a Nihang Samparday and is not managed by the board overseeing the main Nanded Sahib Gurdwara. The attacker is said to be from Punjab and was reportedly serving as a sewadar at the gurdwara.

Badal was in Nanded for a three-day visit with his family and associates, having organized an Akhand Path at the gurdwara. Earlier on Thursday, he had been offered a siropa by the head priests at Sachkhand Nanded Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh shrines.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has requested details of the incident from the Nanded Superintendent of Police and directed authorities to investigate the motive behind the attack.