India
Police arrested Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant, for attempting to shoot Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at Amritsar’s Golden Temple. The incident occurred on Wednesday during Badal’s seva under a religious punishment (tankhah) pronounced by the Sikh clergy.
Chaura fired shots near the temple premises, but a nearby sewadar (volunteer) intervened, deflecting his aim and preventing any harm to Badal. At the time, Badal was seated in a wheelchair performing seva at the Guru Ram Das Dwar, fulfilling his punishment for actions taken during the SAD government’s tenure between 2007 and 2017.
Chaura has a history of involvement in criminal activities, including his alleged role in the 2004 Burail Jail break that aided pro-Khalistani militants. He was seen loitering in the temple vicinity a day earlier.
SAD leaders condemned the incident, with Daljit Singh Cheema accusing the Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, of failing to ensure safety and order. Cheema demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the attack.
Despite the alarming event, Badal and other SAD leaders, including Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Bikram Singh Majithia, continued their seva, which included washing utensils and performing other voluntary tasks as part of their religious obligations.
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