Badal suffered a 4–5 cm wound on his right forearm and received two to three stitches. A security officer was also injured, while police and the Maharashtra ATS continue to investigate the attack.
BY PC Bureau
August 13, 2026: The man accused of attacking Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday initially told police that he was angry over the drug problem in Punjab, investigators said. Police have so far found no link to any gang or gang rivalry.
The accused, identified as Jaspal Singh, was dressed in Nihang attire and was working as a sevadar (volunteer) at the gurdwara, according to police. He is around 60–62 years old and had reportedly been associated with the gurdwara for about two years.
The attack took place around 1:45 pm near the stairs of the gurdwara, where Badal was present during a private visit. According to Nanded police, the sevadar suddenly approached Badal and allegedly attempted to strike him with a kirpan.
Badal suffered an injury to his right forearm and received two to three stitches. His wound was around 4–5 cm long. He was taken to hospital and was later reported to be stable and out of danger.
Nanded Superintendent of Police Dr Nilabh Rohan said security personnel immediately intervened and took the attacker into custody.
“Near the stairs, a sevadar suddenly approached and attempted to attack with his kirpan. Immediately following the incident, we took the attacker into custody, and interrogation is currently underway,” Rohan said.
He said Badal’s Z-plus security cover enabled personnel at the site to respond immediately and prevent a more serious attack.
A police officer from the Special Protection Unit assigned to Badal was also injured in the arm while intervening. District Collector Rahul Kardele confirmed that both Badal and the security officer were stable.
Police said the accused’s initial statement about the Punjab drug problem was being examined as part of the investigation. The Nanded police and Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad are jointly probing the incident. No gang connection has been established so far.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was allegedly attacked inside the Mata Sahib Gurdwara on the outskirts of Nanded city on Thursday.
According to preliminary information, Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was… pic.twitter.com/wJAgbNv2g2
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Badal’s visit to Nanded was private, and according to the district administration, no official intimation about his programme had been given to the Collector’s office. His security detail, however, ensured that personnel were present at the venue.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry into the incident and sought details from the Nanded SP. He also spoke to Badal, who confirmed that he was stable.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also contacted the SAD president and assured him that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
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Why the Nihang attire is significant
The accused’s Nihang attire is significant because Nihangs represent a distinct Sikh warrior tradition with deep historical roots. Nihangs are traditionally associated with martial discipline, Sikh religious practice and the defence of Sikh institutions.
Their distinctive appearance commonly includes blue robes or clothing, an imposing turban and traditional weapons. The large Nihang turban, known as the dastar bunga, is particularly associated with the tradition.
The kirpan carried by the accused also has religious significance in Sikhism. It is one of the five articles of faith, known as the Panj Kakaar, observed by initiated Sikhs. The kirpan symbolises the duty to stand against injustice, protect the vulnerable and uphold righteousness.
Its alleged use in an attack, however, should be distinguished from its religious meaning. The actions of an individual should not be treated as representative of the Nihang tradition or Sikhism.
In this case, the significance of the attire lies primarily in the fact that the alleged attacker was a sevadar at a gurdwara and was wearing clothing associated with a historically martial Sikh order. Police are investigating his personal background, his stated anger over Punjab’s drug problem and the circumstances that led to the attack.
At present, investigators have not established a gang connection or evidence of a wider gang-related conspiracy. The investigation is continuing.
