Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is injured in a kirpan attack near a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded district. Multiple outlets report the attacker strikes him with the sword-like weapon, and Badal suffers an injury to his hand. He is taken for medical treatment, and police begin investigating the incident.
The attack happens during Badal’s religious visit at or near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded. NDTV reports the incident occurs at the outskirts of Nanded after he visits the gurdwara, while other reports place the attack inside the gurdwara premises. Sources cited by NDTV and other outlets describe the assailant as dressed in Nihang attire. Times of India adds that a police inspector and/or other security personnel are injured while intervening to stop the attacker. Across reports, the injury to Badal is described as not life-threatening, and he receives treatment at a private hospital in Nanded.
Authorities focus on establishing the motive and circumstances, with details of the attacker’s identity and motive not yet confirmed in the accounts provided.
