The attacker was later handed over to the police.
Who is Narain Singh Chaura, the Man Who Tried to Attack Sukhbir Singh Badal? On December 2, during his service (sewa) at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) as part of a punishment ordained by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped a life-threatening attack. Narain Singh Chaura attempted to shoot Badal but was swiftly apprehended by alert sewadars and locals at the site before any harm could be done. The attacker was later handed over to the police.
Who is Narain Singh Chaura?
Narain Singh Chaura has a long and controversial history. He is allegedly linked to extremist groups such as the Radical Liberation Force and Akal Federation. His criminal record spans decades and includes serious allegations.
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Militancy Ties:
Chaura reportedly fled to Pakistan during the 1984 riots, where he played a role in smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab in the early days of militancy. While in Pakistan, he is said to have authored a book on guerrilla warfare and other controversial literature. -
Explosives and Weapons Cases:
In February 2013, Chaura was arrested in Tarn Taran, with the police claiming to have uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition during follow-up raids. He faced multiple charges under the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar districts. -
Burail Jailbreak Case:
Chaura was also implicated in the infamous Burail jailbreak case. In August 2018, after serving five years in jail, he was released but remained under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in various unlawful activities.Advertisement
Attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal
Reports suggest that Chaura had been conducting reconnaissance (reiki) at the Golden Temple a day before the attack. Despite the tense situation, Sukhbir Singh Badal continued his sewa at the shrine, demonstrating calm and resolve.
Public and Political Reactions
The Shiromani Akali Dal has condemned the attack, calling for stricter security measures around Sikhism's most sacred site. This incident has raised concerns over the involvement of fringe groups in escalating tensions and the need to ensure the safety for public figures and devotees alike.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, with Chaura now in police custody. The attempt has sparked discussions on Punjab's political climate and the security challenges posed by such extremist elements.
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