Former deputy chief minister of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, causing an uproar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday morning. 

Badal, who was also awarded a punishment on Tuesday for performing ‘sewa (selfless service)’, including cleaning bathrooms, utensils, and devotees’ shoes, was fired upon inside the holy Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday.

According to reports, SAD leader Badal was the target of the shooting by a man. However, he escaped the attack unhurt. The incident occurred while he was serving as a guardian at the Golden Temple in Amritsar with a plaque on his neck. The attacker was apprehended on the spot by people present at the scene.

The assailant has been identified as Narayan Singh Chawda, reportedly a member of Dal Khalsa. He was caught by a young man as he attempted to draw a pistol from his pocket. This intervention prevented the firing, ensuring Badal’s safety.

Badal’s punishment

The punishment was declared from the ramparts of the Akal Takht Sahib at Golden Temple by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, following a joint meeting of the jathedars of the five takhts (seats of authority of the Sikhs).

The five high priests also directed the working committee of the Akali Dal on Monday to accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party chief in three days, besides forming a panel to hold elections for the post of president and office-bearers within six months.

The punishment came three months after Sukhbir Badal was declared ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) after rebel party leaders appeared before the Akal Takht on July 1 and sought forgiveness for ‘mistakes’ during the Akali Dal rule, including failure to punish those responsible for the 2015 sacrilege incidents and pardoning Sirsa dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case.

Given the injured foot, Sukhbir Badal was directed to serve as a guard for one hour each on December 3 and 4 at the entrance of the Golden Temple wearing a guard's dress while sitting in a wheelchair.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)

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‘Sinner’ Sukhbir Badal serves Akal Takht punishment as guard at Golden Temple