In Amritsar, Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at the main gate of the Golden Temple at around 9 am. Sukhbir was on duty at the main gate as a sevadar at the time. The attacker fired without any warning, injuring Badal severely but he survived. Other security personnel present at the gate reacted quickly and nabbed the attacker, averting further damage. The sound of gunfire created an atmosphere of consolation and bewilderment in the Darbar Sahib complex.
Immediately after the attack, the police arrested the attacker on the spot and took him into custody. During investigation, a pistol was recovered from the attacker, which makes it clear that the attack was pre-planned. The accused is said to be Narayan Singh, who is associated with Khalsa Dal. The police have started action against him and the matter is being investigated in depth. The arrest of the attacker has given relief to the security forces, but further investigation is going on considering the seriousness of the operation.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, in addition to the Golden Temple attack, is also facing charges of religious wrongdoings by the Akal Takht. The Akal Takht has held him guilty of various religious violations while in power between 2007 and 2017. He is accused of helping Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim get a pardon and using his political powers to withdraw complaints filed against Ram Rahim. In addition, he has also been accused of betraying the Panth. Considering the punishment handed down by the Akal Takht, Sukhbir Singh Badal needs to answer these charges and restore his reputation.
