Maharashtra Cop's Bravery Saves Sukhbir Badal From Kirpan Attack in Nanded
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan in Nanded, Maharashtra. A Maharashtra Police Inspector, Santosh Kendre, heroically intervened, acting as a human shield and sustaining injuries while protecting Badal, who suffered minor hand wounds. The attacker, identified as Jaspal Singh, has been arrested, with investigations into his motive ongoing.
Key Highlights
- Sukhbir Badal attacked with kirpan in Nanded, Maharashtra.
- Maharashtra Police Inspector Santosh Kendre saved Badal.
- Kendre acted as a 'human shield', sustained injuries.
- Attacker identified as Jaspal Singh, a gurdwara sewadar.
- Badal sustained minor hand injury, is in stable condition.
- Incident marks second attack on Badal in less than two years.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, was attacked with a kirpan (ceremonial dagger) on Thursday, August 13, 2026, while visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Mugat, Nanded, Maharashtra. The swift and courageous intervention of a Maharashtra Police Inspector, Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, is credited with preventing more severe injuries to Badal during the incident.
According to reports, the attack occurred around 1:45 PM to 1:50 PM as Badal was descending stairs after offering prayers at the gurdwara. The assailant, identified as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh, reportedly lunged at Badal with a kirpan. Singh, a native of Pune, had been serving as a 'sewadar' (volunteer/attendant) at the Nanded gurdwara for approximately two years. He also holds degrees in commerce and law.
Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, part of the Maharashtra Police's Special Protection Unit (SPU) deployed for Badal's Z+ security detail, immediately reacted to the threat. He positioned himself between Badal and the attacker, effectively acting as a "human shield" to absorb the assault. This split-second response was crucial in thwarting Jaspal Singh from inflicting more serious harm on the SAD chief. In the process of protecting Badal, Inspector Kendre himself sustained injuries to his hand/arm. Both Badal and the injured police officer were rushed to Yashosai Hospital in Nanded for treatment.
Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor wound of about 4-5 centimeters on his right forearm or hand, which required stitches. He was reported to be in stable condition and out of danger following the incident. Inspector Kendre's condition was also reported as stable. SAD leader and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal lauded Inspector Kendre's heroism, stating that he "stood like a human shield between Sukhbir ji and the attacker, putting your own life at risk to protect his." She further expressed the Badal family's deepest gratitude for his bravery.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. During initial questioning, Jaspal Singh reportedly expressed anger over the drug problem in Punjab, but police are conducting a detailed investigation and are not fully satisfied with this initial statement. The Nanded Police, along with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), are collaborating on the investigation to ascertain the exact motive and any potential wider conspiracy. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the attack, ordered a thorough probe, and personally inquired about Badal's health. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Harsimrat Kaur Badal to inquire about her husband's well-being. The Shiromani Akali Dal has demanded a CBI probe into the incident, citing it as a major security lapse despite Badal having Z+ security.
This incident marks the second attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in less than two years. On December 4, 2024, he survived an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where a former militant and pro-Khalistan sympathizer, Narain Singh Chaura, opened fire. In that instance, a plainclothes police officer, ASI Jasbir Singh, intervened and pushed the assailant's arm, causing the bullet to miss Badal. The repeated nature of these attacks, particularly at sacred religious sites despite high-level security, has raised significant concerns about the safety of prominent political figures and the effectiveness of security protocols in such environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sukhbir Singh Badal?
Sukhbir Singh Badal is a prominent Indian politician and currently serves as the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) party. He is also a former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab.
What happened during the attack on Sukhbir Badal in Nanded?
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan (ceremonial dagger) on August 13, 2026, while visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Mugat, Nanded, Maharashtra. A Maharashtra Police Inspector, Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, intervened immediately, shielding Badal and preventing more severe injuries. Both Badal and the officer sustained minor injuries.
Who was the Maharashtra cop praised for saving Sukhbir Badal?
Maharashtra Police Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, from the Special Protection Unit (SPU), has been widely praised for his heroic actions. He reportedly 'stood like a human shield' between Sukhbir Badal and the attacker, risking his own life.
What was the motive of the attacker, Jaspal Singh?
The attacker, Jaspal Singh, initially told police he was angry about the drug problem in Punjab. However, authorities are still investigating to determine the exact motive, and a joint probe by the Nanded Police, ATS, and IB is underway.
Has Sukhbir Singh Badal been attacked before?
Yes, this incident in Nanded marks the second attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in less than two years. He previously survived an assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on December 4, 2024, where a gunman fired at him but was foiled by a police officer.
