Archive · 13 Aug 2026
SAD demands CBI probe into attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal
A very important Sikh leader in India named Sukhbir Singh Badal was hurt when a man attacked him with a special knife called a kirpan inside a gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship.
The attack happened in the state of Maharashtra while he was visiting with his family.
Badal got a small cut on his right hand and needed two or three stitches, but he was okay and in good spirits.
The person who attacked him was caught by security guards and other people nearby.
Badal's political party, the Shiromani Akali Dal, said the attack was a big safety failure and asked high-level investigators to look into it.
They believe someone is secretly planning to hurt Sikh leaders like Badal.
This was not the first time — Badal was also attacked near the Golden Temple in 2024.
The police in Maharashtra will investigate what happened this time.
The leader of Maharashtra also ordered an official inquiry into the attack.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Maharashtra on August 13, receiving two to three stitches on his right hand.
The attacker, dressed in Nihang attire, was arrested after being stopped by security guards and nearby people.
SAD leaders called the attack an 'intelligence failure' and demanded a CBI or high court-monitored probe, alleging a conspiracy against 'panthic leaders'.
This was the second assassination attempt on Badal, who survived a shooting outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar in December 2024.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a probe, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi inquired about Badal's health.
- Who
- Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Punjab deputy chief minister, was attacked by an unidentified man dressed in Nihang attire.
- What
- Badal was attacked with a kirpan at a gurdwara, sustaining two to three stitches on his right hand; the attacker was arrested and the SAD demanded a CBI or high court-monitored probe.
- When
- August 13 (Thursday), around 1.45 pm.
- Where
- Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Maharashtra, India; Badal had earlier visited Takht Sri Hazur Sahib.
- Why
- SAD leaders alleged a conspiracy targeting 'panthic leaders' and cited intelligence and security failures; Maharashtra Police will investigate to determine under whose conspiracy Badal was targeted.
SAD's Allegations
Official Investigation
Nature of the incident
SAD's Allegations
SAD leaders called it a 'cowardly' and 'murderous' attack and part of a deeper conspiracy targeting 'panthic leaders', claiming anti-panth forces are behind it.
Official Investigation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a probe, and Maharashtra Police will investigate the attack to determine under whose conspiracy Badal was targeted.
Security and intelligence failures
SAD's Allegations
SAD leaders called the attack a 'total intelligence failure', saying a leader with Z-plus security should not have been attacked inside a gurdwara.
Official Investigation
No official counter-statement is reported; Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis called the SAD chief to inquire about his health after ordering a probe.
Scope of the investigation
SAD's Allegations
SAD leaders demanded the probe also cover the December 2024 Golden Temple attack, saying the template and intentions of both attacks were the same.
Official Investigation
No official response to the demand for inclusion of the Amritsar attack is reported in the articles.
- Victim
- Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD president, 64 years old
- Injury
- Two to three stitches on right hand
- Attacker status
- Arrested
- Attack location
- Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat, Maharashtra
- Security
- Z-plus category security; CISF cover only in Punjab and Delhi
- Prior attack
- December 2024 shooting at Golden Temple, Amritsar
- Probe demanded
- CBI or high court-monitored investigation
- Time of attack
- Around 1.45 pm, August 13
