Now Reading: Maharashtra cop injured foiling kirpan attack on Sukhbir Badal
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Maharashtra cop injured foiling kirpan attack on Sukhbir Badal
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
Badal’s vague reference to ‘forces’ wanting to disturb Punjab peace risks sounding like a political narrative rather than a concrete accusation. The attack is serious, and the second on a former deputy CM at a Sikh shrine in two years, but police have not yet established a motive. The Nihang order’s response to the arrest will test whether this was an isolated act or something larger. The investigation’s findings, not speeches, should settle the matter.
Sources (3): thefederal.com, thefederal.com (2), rediff.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
