Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in stable condition after undergoing surgery following a sharp weapon attack at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Doctors who treated the former Punjab deputy chief minister said he is out of danger after the surgical procedure.
Badal was injured on Thursday when an attacker allegedly attempted to assault him with a kirpan inside the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded. He sustained an injury to his hand and was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The incident prompted immediate security intervention and a police investigation.
According to doctors, Badal underwent a surgery that lasted approximately 90 minutes. During the procedure, the medical team repaired a tendon injury caused by the sharp weapon. A plastic surgeon also treated damage involving the ulnar artery nerve in his hand. Following the surgery, doctors confirmed that his condition was stable and that he was out of danger.
Badal is expected to be discharged from the hospital during the day. Following his discharge, he is likely to travel back to Punjab by air later in the afternoon. The development has brought relief to his family, party colleagues and supporters.
The attack occurred at a religious site in Nanded and has raised concerns about security arrangements during the visit of a prominent political leader. According to reports, the accused was working as a volunteer at the gurdwara. Police have taken the accused into custody and registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The police investigation is currently focused on determining the motive behind the attack. Authorities are examining the circumstances leading up to the incident and the actions of the accused. As of Friday, investigators had not established a clear motive for the assault.
The incident has also drawn attention because Badal had previously faced an attack at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in December 2024. In that incident, a police officer intervened and prevented the attacker from reaching Badal. The latest incident has therefore renewed questions about the security arrangements provided to the SAD leader.
Following the Nanded incident, political and religious leaders condemned the attack and stressed that violence has no place at sacred religious sites. The incident has generated concern among political circles as well as the Sikh community.
Sukhbir Singh Badal is a prominent leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and has previously served as deputy chief minister of Punjab. His recovery is now being closely followed by party workers and supporters.
The latest medical update indicates that the surgery was successful and that Badal's condition remains stable. His expected discharge and return to Punjab will allow him to continue his recovery under further medical supervision.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the Nanded gurdwara attack remains underway. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the assault and attempting to establish the motive of the accused. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.