SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked with kirpan in Maharashtras Nanded, suffers minor injury in hand; inquiry ordered
The preliminary investigation suggests that the attack was carried out by a man disguised as Nihang Singh.
PTC News Desk: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a man disguised as Nihang Singh in Nanded, Maharashtra on Thursday.
The preliminary investigation suggests that the attack was carried out by a man disguised as Nihang Singh. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
A security personnel deployed in Badal's security was also injured in the attack.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the attack on SAD chief and former Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal.
#WATCH | Nanded, Maharashtra | Former Deputy CM of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal rushed to a hospital after being attacked by a Nihang inside Nanded Gurudwara. He has sustained injuries to his hand. pic.twitter.com/PnO2n4wGe9
— ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2026
A video after the attack is doing rounds on social media showing a saffron clothe wrapped around Sukhbir Singh Badal's arm with blood stains seemingly visible.
Sukhbir Singh Badal's wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also present with him at the time of the attack.
It is learnt that the attacker attempted to attack him into the stomach, however it was prevented after a security official intervened and tried to stop him.
'He is in Chardiala': SAD spokesperson Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler
Arshdeep Singh Kaler, spokesperson of the Shiromani Akali Dal, said Badal was out of danger and “perfectly fine”. “On Thursday, Sukhbir Singh Badal paid obeisance at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and while he was coming out, a person dressed in Nihang attire attacked him. He sustained minor injuries on his arm. His security personnel immediately tried to stop the attacker,” Kaler said. He said Badal was doing well.
“The incident happened in Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Police is investigating the case. But I want to say that repeatedly, Panthic leaders are being targeted, and it seems that some anti-Panthic forces are behind this incident,” Kaler alleged. He said Badal remained in “chardi kala” and expressed hope that the Maharashtra Police would soon identify the people behind the incident.
Shiromai Akali Dal spokesperson Arshdeep Singh on attack at Sukhbir Badal in Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/dOBGJVBxc0
— Arshdeep (@arsh_kaur7) August 13, 2026
Second attack since 2024
Earlier in December 2024, former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar after a gunman opened fire, which was prevented as Badal escaped unharmed with timely intervention by his security.
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at the Golden Temple while he was performing 'sewadar' duties after the Akal Takht pronounced the 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for him and several other Akali Dal leaders.