Sukhbir Singh Badal attack: Akali Dal chief stable after 90-minute surgery, may return to Punjab by air today

PTC Web Desk: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal is in stable condition after undergoing surgery for injuries sustained in an attack at a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded, doctors said on Friday.

The surgery lasted around 90 minutes. Doctors said Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered a sharp injury to his right hand and a tendon injury. His condition is now stable and he is out of danger.

An official said the former Punjab deputy chief minister is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Friday and may be flown to Punjab in the afternoon.

Sukhbir Badal undergoes 90-minute surgery

Sukhbir Singh Badal was taken to Yashosai Hospital after sustaining an injury to his right hand during the attack. A doctor treating the Akali Dal leader said the surgical procedure continued for about one-and-a-half hours. “There was a tendon injury and a sharp wound. The affected nerve was treated,” the doctor said.

A plastic surgeon also treated Sukhbir Badal's ulnar artery. Doctors said he is currently out of danger and his condition remains stable.

Attack took place inside Nanded gurdwara

According to the police, Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a person disguised himself as a Nihang inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat on the outskirts of Nanded city.

The incident took place while Sukhbir Singh Badal was present at the gurdwara. He suffered an injury to his right hand and was subsequently taken to hospital for medical treatment. The police have not yet established the motive behind the attack.

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A police official said arrangements were likely to be made to take Sukhbir Singh Badal back to Punjab by air on Friday afternoon.

The accused has been identified as Jaspal Singh. Police said they are still investigating why he allegedly attacked the SAD chief.

It is learnt the accused has been living alone in Nanded. He has degrees in commerce and law and is based with his family in Pune.

A case has been registered against him under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The charges include attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or means, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt to a public servant to prevent him from performing his duty.