In a shocking incident at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by Khalistani terrorist Narayan Singh Chaura. The attack occurred while Badal was performing the duties of a ‘sewadar’ (volunteer) at the revered Sikh shrine.
Chaura, a known operative of the Babbar Khalsa terrorist organization, reportedly arrived at the Golden Temple early in the morning armed with a pistol. Security footage captured the moment when he attempted to target the SAD leader. However, the attempt was foiled, and no casualties were reported.
Narayan Singh Chaura has a long history of involvement in militancy and terrorism. He has been associated with multiple Khalistani outfits, including the Khalistan Liberation Force and Akal Federation. He also played a significant role in smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab during the early years of militancy, according to police reports.
Chaura was previously implicated in the high-profile 2004 Burail Jailbreak case in Chandigarh, where four Khalistani terrorists escaped through a 94-foot-long tunnel. While the court later acquitted him of charges in that case, Chaura spent five years in Amritsar Central Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In 2013, Chaura was arrested in Jalalabad village of Tarn Taran district, along with associates Sukhdev Singh and Gurinder Singh. His interrogation led police to a hideout in Mohali district, where a cache of weapons and ammunition was seized. He faces over a dozen cases, including charges under the Explosives Act and the UAPA, in multiple districts of Punjab.
Chaura reportedly traveled to Pakistan in 1984, where he was trained in guerrilla warfare and authored literature promoting anti-national sentiments. His alleged involvement in smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab has been well-documented by law enforcement agencies.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has condemned the attack, calling for a thorough investigation into the security lapse at the Golden Temple. “This is not just an attack on an individual but an assault on the sanctity of the Golden Temple and the peace of Punjab,” a party spokesperson said.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are now investigating how Chaura, despite his extensive criminal record, was able to enter the Golden Temple premises with a weapon. Additional security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of devotees and dignitaries at the shrine. This incident underscores the lingering threats posed by extremist elements in Punjab, even as the state strives to maintain peace and harmony.
