On December 3, 2024, Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), narrowly avoided harm in an attempted assassination outside the Ghanta Ghar Deori entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The incident unfolded shortly after Badal completed a religious penance as directed by the Akal Takht, escalating tensions within Punjab’s political and religious landscape.
The Shooter and the Incident
The shooter has been identified as Narain Singh, a resident of the Gurdaspur district, approximately 75 kilometers from Amritsar. Visual evidence from the scene shows Singh approaching the gate at a deliberate pace before swiftly drawing a gun. A vigilant bystander near Mr. Badal noticed Singh’s suspicious actions in time and managed to grab his hand as he aimed the weapon.
Despite this intervention, a single shot was fired, missing Mr. Badal and others nearby, and hitting a wall. The quick action by the bystander likely averted a tragic outcome. Singh was immediately subdued, and authorities arrested him at the scene. The Punjab Police are investigating the shooter’s motive, but no clear information has been disclosed as of now.
Videos from the scene capture the tense moments leading up to the shooting. Watch it here:
Security Concerns at High-Profile Events
This incident has sparked widespread concern about the security arrangements for high-profile leaders, particularly at sensitive locations like the Golden Temple. It underscores the growing risks political figures face amidst rising tensions in Punjab. The Shiromani Akali Dal condemned the attack and urged authorities to ensure robust security protocols at public events.
Police Investigation and Public Reaction
Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and questioning the suspect to determine if the act was premeditated or influenced by underlying political or personal motives. The SAD has strongly condemned the attack and called for heightened security measures at public events.
