The former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal, is completing a religious sentence at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. During his vigil at the temple's entrance, he was lethally attacked. Narayan Singh shot at him. Quick action from the people present prevented any harm, apprehending the attacker and disarming him before handing him over to the police. Narayan Singh is affiliated with the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa and has been on the radar under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Sukhbir Badal was on duty for the Darbar Sahib from 9 to 10 AM when he was fired upon. Fortunately, he was unharmed. The Shiromani Akali Dal demanded a judicial investigation, claiming Narayan Singh, the attacker, is the brother of Narendra Singh, a prominent figure in the Chaur Bazaar Committee, and close to Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.
Source: aajtak
The Attacker was Imprisoned for 6 Years in Punjab
Narayan Singh is associated with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Sources reveal he fled to Pakistan in 1984 and was instrumental in smuggling arms and explosives in the initial Khalistan insurgencies. There, he authored a book on 'Guerrilla Warfare' and 'Treason'. He was also implicated in the Burail jailbreak case and has served time in Punjab's prisons.
Wanted Under UAPA in Two Punjab Districts
Narayan Singh was arrested on February 28, 2013, from Jalalabad village in Tarn Taran district. Charges against him are manifold, including a May 8, 2010, explosion at Amritsar's Civil Lines Police Station. Moreover, his name was on UAPA's wanted list in Tarn Taran and Ropar districts, albeit released on bail in 2018.
Pictured with Former CM Beant Singh's Assassins in Jail
He has been pictured with the key suspects in the assassination of Punjab's former Chief Minister Beant Singh, including Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora. His ties extend to the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation.
Authored a Controversial Book on Khalistan
Narayan Singh penned a provocative book titled 'Conspiracy Against Khalistan'. The title itself divulges his mindset. Recently arrested by Punjab State's Special Cell, he was found in possession of considerable arms and ammunition in Amritsar.
What Did SGPC's President Say?
On this matter, the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, stated that their sources are probing the incident. The assailant was handed over to the police. Thanks to Guru Ram Das, Sukhbir Singh Badal's life was spared. SGPC is reviewing security measures at the site.
Source: aajtak
What Accusations are Against Sukhbir Badal?
The Akal Takht found Sukhbir Singh Badal and his cabinet guilty of aiding pardons for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim in a blasphemy case, using his influence to retract a complaint. Accusations also include failing to address disrespect towards the Guru Granth Sahib, misusing funds for political ads, and appointing DGP Sumedh Saini, deemed a religious transgression.
What is Sukhbir's Sentence from Akal Takht?
The Akal Takht, the 'Supreme Court of Sikhs', sentenced Sukhbir Badal to religious penalties including voluntary service at the gurdwara, cleaning utensils, and keeping guard. He must also clean public toilets at the Shri Darbar Sahib complex. These acts are reparations for the religious misdemeanors committed during the Akali Dal's reign from 2007 to 2017.
