Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Police detained the suspected attacker shortly after the incident.
Attack Took Place at Nanded Gurdwara
The incident occurred near Hazur Sahib in Nanded, where Sukhbir Singh Badal was present at a gurdwara.
According to preliminary reports, an attacker approached Badal and attempted to assault him with a sharp-edged weapon. Badal suffered an injury to his hand/arm while trying to protect himself.
Attacker Detained by Police
Police acted quickly and detained one suspect in connection with the attack.
Reports identified the accused as a Nihang Sikh, and investigations are underway to establish the motive behind the assault.
Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and the security arrangements at the gurdwara.
Badal Rushed to Hospital
Following the attack, Sukhbir Singh Badal was taken to a hospital in Nanded for medical treatment.
Reports indicate that the injury was to his hand/arm and that he was receiving medical attention. Further details about his condition are expected as doctors complete their assessment.
Attack Causes Political Concern
The incident has triggered concern among leaders and supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Party leaders have raised questions about security arrangements at the religious site and described the incident as a serious security lapse. Some Akali leaders have called for an investigation into how the attacker managed to approach Badal.
Investigation Underway
Police have begun investigating the attack to determine:
- The exact circumstances of the assault
- The identity and background of the suspect
- The motive behind the attack
- Whether the attacker acted alone
- How security arrangements were breached
Officials are expected to question the detained suspect as part of the investigation.
Security at Religious Sites Under Focus
The incident has also raised questions about security at major religious sites, particularly when prominent political figures are present.
Nanded’s Hazur Sahib is an important Sikh religious centre and attracts devotees and visitors from across India and abroad. Any security incident at the site therefore carries wider public and political significance.
Sukhbir Badal’s Political Profile
Sukhbir Singh Badal is the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal and has served as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab.
He remains a prominent figure in Punjab politics and continues to lead the SAD amid the party’s efforts to strengthen its political position in the state.
More Details Awaited
The investigation is still developing, and authorities are expected to release additional information about the suspect, the motive and Sukhbir Badal’s medical condition.
For now, one person has been detained and Sukhbir Singh Badal is receiving medical treatment after sustaining an injury in the Nanded attack.
Source: Police statements and reports published on August 13, 2026.
Original Report: Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, and police detained one suspect.
Supreme News Network
