Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple on Wednesday. Badal, who was performing his 'sewadar' duties and seated in a wheelchair, was targeted by a gunman. The bullet missed him, hitting a nearby wall instead.

Attacker Identified

The assailant has been identified as Narayan Singh Chaudhary, a resident of Derababa Nanak, Gurdaspur. Authorities have revealed that he is allegedly a member of Dal Khalsa and was previously arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2013.

Narayan Singh was quickly overpowered by bystanders near the Golden Temple, preventing any further harm. The Amritsar Police Commissioner, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, confirmed the attack, stating: "The attacker has been caught. Investigations are underway to determine whether there was a deeper conspiracy. It was an assassination attempt, but Sukhbir Singh Badal was saved thanks to the alertness of the police and those present at the scene."

Authorities are now probing the incident to uncover potential motives and links to a larger conspiracy. The quick apprehension of the attacker has been commended, but questions surrounding security measures at such a significant location have been raised.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, unhurt but visibly shaken, has not yet commented on the incident. Security around the Golden Temple and for prominent leaders is expected to be tightened in the aftermath of this event.