# Maharashtra cop injured foiling kirpan attack on Sukhbir Badal

2026-08-15T01:06:52+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Inspector Santosh Kendre of Maharashtra’s Special Protection Unit suffered a two-inch slash on his right palm while blocking a kirpan attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal inside a gurdwara in Nanded. Kendre pushed his hand forward, reducing the blow’s impact, and then disarmed the attacker despite bleeding. Badal underwent surgery and was discharged on Friday. The attacker, Jaspal Singh, a Nihang, has been arrested. After his discharge, Badal alleged that ‘forces’ do not want peace in Punjab and view SAD as a hindrance. He said attempts had been made on his life at two of Sikhism’s holiest shrines, including the Golden Temple in December 2024. Police are yet to determine the motive.

## Coverage

- thefederal.com <https://thefederal.com/category/states/west/maharashtra/sukhbir-singh-badal-maharashtra-kirpan-attack-253551>
- thefederal.com <https://thefederal.com/category/states/west/maharashtra/sukhbir-singh-badal-alleges-forces-seeking-to-disrupt-punjab-peace-after-attack-253546>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/lot-of-forces-sukhbir-badals-1st-reaction-after-attack/20260814.htm>

Tags: Jaspal Singh, Nanded, Nihang, Santosh Kendre, Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal
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