Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday, police said.

The attack took place at around 1:45 pm inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat. The assailant, identified by police as a Nihang, was taken into custody following the incident.

Assailant Detained

Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan said a Nihang attacked Badal with a kirpan, a traditional curved dagger.

The accused was immediately apprehended by the police, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment.

A local official said Badal sustained an injury to his hand and received two to three stitches.

Police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and are examining the motive behind it.

Fadnavis Orders Probe

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an investigation into the incident.

Fadnavis also contacted Badal to enquire about his health and sought details from the Nanded Superintendent of Police.

The chief minister directed the police to establish the circumstances that led to the attack and determine the motive of the accused.

Officials said the investigation would continue as the authorities gather more information about the incident.

Political Leaders Condemn Attack

Senior BJP leader R P Singh strongly condemned the attack, describing the incident as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Singh urged the Maharashtra government to ensure that the matter was investigated thoroughly and impartially.

He said political disagreements were a normal part of democratic life but violence could not be justified.

Badal Survived 2024 Attack

Thursday's incident comes nearly two years after Badal survived another assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

In December 2024, Badal was performing sewadar duty outside the shrine after the Akal Takht had pronounced a tankhah, or religious punishment, over what it described as mistakes committed during the SAD government's tenure in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.

During that incident, an attacker attempted to fire at Badal but was overpowered before he could cause serious harm.

The latest attack in Nanded has once again raised concerns over the security of the SAD leader.

Investigation Underway

Police have taken the accused into custody and are investigating the incident, including the circumstances in which the attacker approached Badal inside the gurdwara.

Authorities are also expected to examine security arrangements at the religious site and gather statements from eyewitnesses.

Badal's medical condition was reported to be stable after treatment, with officials saying he suffered an injury to his hand.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.