Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Nihang Jaspal Singh Attacks Sukhbir Singh Badal at Nanded Gurdwara
A man attacked an important Indian leader at a holy place.
The leader's name is Sukhbir Singh Badal, who used to help lead a state called Punjab.
The attack happened at a gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, while Badal was there to pray with his family.
A man named Jaspal Singh hurt him with a kirpan, a special knife that Sikhs carry.
Badal got stitches on his hand but his doctors say he is doing okay and will leave the hospital soon.
His wife and other family members were there and were not hurt.
The police caught the attacker right away and have been asking him lots of questions.
When they asked why he did it, he said he "just felt like doing it."
He also talked about being upset about drugs in Punjab.
Police and other security agencies are still investigating to find the real reason.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan by Nihang Jaspal Singh at a gurdwara near Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday.
The accused, a sewadar at the gurdwara for about two years who holds commerce and law degrees and hails from Pune, told police he "just felt like doing it."
Police sources said Jaspal Singh also cited the drug menace in Punjab and his belief that "their government" failed to win the public's trust; investigators have yet to find a concrete motive or gang links.
Badal, who has Z+ security cover, received two to three stitches on his right hand and is in stable condition; his personal security officer, Santosh Kendre, was also injured.
A case was registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections including attempt to murder, while the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and Intelligence Bureau assist, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a thorough probe.
- Who
- Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, was attacked by Nihang Jaspal Singh, a sewadar at the gurdwara.
- What
- Badal was attacked with a kirpan while visiting the gurdwara with family; his personal security officer was also hurt and the accused was arrested at the scene.
- When
- Thursday, August 13, 2026, around 1:45 pm; Badal had been in Nanded since Wednesday.
- Where
- A gurdwara near Nanded, Maharashtra, reported as Hazur Sahib Gurudwara in one account and Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat or Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur in others.
- Why
- The attacker said he "just felt like doing it," and reportedly referred to the drug menace in Punjab and a government that failed to win public trust; police have not yet found a concrete motive.
Attacker's Account
Investigators' View
Motive Behind the Attack
Attacker's Account
Jaspal Singh told police he "just felt like doing it," and police sources said he cited the drug menace in Punjab and his belief that "their government" failed to win public trust when in power.
Investigators' View
Investigators are not satisfied with the explanation and say the exact reason will only come out after a detailed investigation; officials have so far found no concrete motive, gang connection or criminal background.
Response to the Violence
Attacker's Account
The reported grievances point to public anger over the drug problem in Punjab and the previous government's failure to win people's trust.
Investigators' View
BJP Punjab in-charge Narinder Singh condemned the attack, saying no one should be attacked at a religious place and that the Sikh religion teaches peace and seva.
- Victim
- Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, under Z+ security cover
- Accused
- Nihang Jaspal Singh, aged 60-65, sewadar at the gurdwara for about two years, arrested at the scene
- Location
- Gurdwara near Nanded, Maharashtra (reported as Hazur Sahib Gurudwara and Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat)
- Date and time
- Thursday, August 13, 2026, around 1:45 pm
- Weapon
- Kirpan (ceremonial dagger)
- Injury
- Two to three stitches on the right hand; condition stable; personal security officer Santosh Kendre also injured
- Accused's background
- Hails from Pune; holds commerce and law degrees; was staying alone in Nanded
- Investigation
- Case registered under BNS sections 109(1), 118(1) and 121(2) at Mudkhed police station; ATS and IB assisting; no gang or criminal links found so far
Sources
‘I Just Felt Like Doing It’: Nihang Accused in Attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal Tells Police
Sukhbir Singh Badal Attacked At Nanded Gurdwara, Sewadar Arrested; Police Probe Motive
Reason for attack on Badal not found despite questioning
