Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal attacked in Maharashtra’s Nanded; two held

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered a hand injury in an attack by two unidentified persons allegedly wearing the attire of Nihang Sikhs, in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday (August 13, 2026).

The suspects have been taken into custody and investigation is under way, Nanded Collector Rahul Kardile said. Police said preliminary information suggests that they used a kirpan (dagger) that was with them to carry out the attack.

Mr. Badal, who is on a two-day visit to Nanded district, was visiting various gurudwaras when he was attacked at the Mata Sahib Gurudwara. “He suffered a minor injury on the hand. He is stable and out of danger,” Mr. Kardile said, adding that the police inspector who saved the SAD chief also sustained injuries. Mr. Badal’s wife, Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, was also present at the time of the incident.

In 2024, Mr. Badal had averted an assassination bid after a former militant and pro-Khalistan sympathiser opened fire at him outside the Golden Temple in Punjab’s Amritsar, where he was performing penance for his ‘mistakes’.

Mr. Badal escaped unhurt in the incident even as the accused was overpowered by security police personnel. He was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple, attired in the dress of a ‘sewadar’ performing the penance, when the accused person drew a gun to shoot.

SAD demands high-level probe

Senior SAD leader Daljit Cheema demanded a high-level independent inquiry into the incident.

“Mr. Badal was in Nanded and after paying obeisance at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara, he had gone to another Gurdwara nearby, when a person in his mid-sixties attacked him with a ‘kirch’ (dagger). The person was wearing traditional attire (bana). What is the actual conspiracy behind the incident, and who is the person? Whether he is actually a Nihang or belongs to some group will only be known after the investigation,” Mr. Cheema told The Hindu.

“This is a serious matter. Whenever Akali Dal rises, conspiracies start right then,” he added.