Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was shot at on Wednesday while performing his duties as a ‘sewadar’ outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The gunman, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, aimed at the senior political leader, but the bullet hit a wall, and Badal escaped unharmed. Chaura was quickly overpowered by bystanders and detained.
Narain Singh Chaura is a former Khalistani militant with a history of criminal involvement, particularly during the violent years of the Khalistani movement. He has been linked to multiple criminal cases and has remained underground for years, evading the law. Chaura is known for his radical views and past association with militant groups, including the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Chaura’s Attempt on Sukhbir Badal’s Life
On Wednesday, as Sukhbir Singh Badal sat in a wheelchair outside the Golden Temple, Chaura approached him and attempted to open fire. However, a nearby sewadar quickly intervened, pushing Chaura’s hand upward, causing the shot to miss its target. The bullet ricocheted and struck the wall, narrowly missing Badal, who remained unharmed.
Chaura was apprehended by the people present at the scene before he could make any further attempt. He was immediately handed over to the police for questioning.
Narain Singh Chaura’s Khalistani Ties and Criminal Past
Chaura, originally from the Dera Baba Nanak area, was an active member of the Panthic (Khalistani) movement. His involvement in militant activities dates back to the 1990s, during which he was a part of several high-profile cases.
Chaura was notably involved in the infamous Burail jailbreak, where he assisted prominent Khalistani militants such as Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora, both of whom were convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Chaura played a key role in helping them escape from Burail Jail by cutting off the electricity supply to the facility for an extended period, enabling the escape of these militants.
Recent Activity
Prior to the shooting incident, Narain Chaura had been observed near Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday, wearing a white kurta and pyjamas. His presence in the area raised suspicions, and it became clear that his motives were violent.
While Chaura’s reasons for targeting Sukhbir Singh Badal remain unclear, it is believed that the attack could be linked to his pro-Khalistani views and long-standing grievances with the Badal family, which has been a prominent figure in Punjab’s political landscape for decades.
The authorities are currently investigating the incident, with Chaura’s history of violent extremism and his past ties to the Khalistani movement coming under scrutiny.
