Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Wednesday and has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place in the Mata Sahib Gurdwara area of Nanded. A police personnel – Inspector Santosh Kendre, who had been deployed for special security – was also injured in the attack.
Police have detained a man identified as Jaspal Singh over the incident. The accused reportedly attacked Badal with a kirpan. Singh, who is originally from Pune, has been living in Nanded for the past two years and is a lawyer by profession.
During questioning, Jaspal Singh reportedly told police that he “just felt like doing it” and therefore carried out the attack.
The police, however, are not satisfied with the motive given by the accused. Further questioning is underway to ascertain the exact motive behind the attack. A joint probe is being conducted by the ATS and Nanded Police.
Meanwhile, Badal’s condition is said to be stable.
SAD spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said, “Sukhbir Badal was injured on his arm, but he is safe. Please do not pay attention to rumours.”
The attack comes days after Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, a meeting that had sparked speculation regarding a possible alliance between the SAD and BJP ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.