Chandigarh (Punjab) [India]: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, assuring swift action against anyone found guilty. Cheema lauded the Punjab Police for their quick response, confirming the arrest of the main accused.
“I condemn this attack and thank the Punjab Police for immediately apprehending the attacker and averting a major incident. Action will be taken against anyone else found guilty after a thorough investigation,” said Cheema.
Details of the Attack
The assassination attempt took place at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where Badal was performing penance (‘tankaiah’) as part of religious punishment ordered by Sri Akal Takht Sahib for decisions made by the SAD government between 2007 and 2017.
While Badal was fulfilling ‘sewadar’ duties at the temple entrance, a man identified as Narain Singh Chaura fired at him. The bullet missed Badal and struck the wall. Chaura was immediately apprehended by the police.
SAD Leaders Criticize Law and Order in Punjab
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia strongly criticized the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for the deteriorating law and order situation.
Majithia questioned the police’s failure to act despite evidence that the attacker had conducted reconnaissance of the Harmandir Sahib premises the day before the incident.
“It has come to light that Narain Singh Chaura surveyed the area on December 3. Why was he not apprehended earlier, especially given the sensitivity of the location? What kind of police deployment is this? This incident highlights the failure of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state’s law enforcement,” Majithia said at a press conference.
Further Developments
The incident has sparked concerns over the security arrangements at religious sites in Punjab. The police have intensified their investigation into the case, and authorities have promised accountability for any lapses in security protocols.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, has not commented on the incident but is reported to be unharmed.