Sukhbir Badal Attack: Accused Claims He Acted on ‘Aadesh from Waheguru’; Police Probe Every Angle

The investigation into the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded has taken a dramatic turn after the accused allegedly gave a startling explanation for the assault.

According to police sources, 62-year-old Jaspal Singh reportedly told investigators that he attacked Sukhbir Badal after receiving an “aadesh from Waheguru,” or a divine command.

However, police have not accepted this explanation as the final motive. Investigators are examining the accused’s statement, his mental and psychological state, his background and other possible reasons behind the attack.

What Did the Accused Tell Police?

According to sources in Nanded Police, Jaspal Singh cited a supposed divine command as the reason for targeting Sukhbir Badal.

Police sources also reportedly said that the accused told investigators he “just felt like doing it” and expressed dissatisfaction with the political leadership of the past.

Investigators are currently recording his detailed statement and trying to establish whether his explanation reflects the actual motive or whether there are other factors behind the incident.

Police are keeping multiple angles open and have not ruled out the possibility of a broader motive or the involvement of other individuals.

Who Is Jaspal Singh?

Jaspal Singh, aged around 62, is associated with the Nihang Sikh order and is reportedly a lawyer by profession.

He is understood to have moved to Nanded from Pune around two years ago. He had also been serving as a sewadar, or volunteer, at the gurdwara where the incident took place.

His background, activities, contacts and movements before the attack are now part of the police investigation.

How Did the Attack Happen?

The incident took place at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur in Nanded, Maharashtra, where Sukhbir Badal had gone to offer prayers.

Badal had reportedly been in Nanded since Wednesday and was visiting the gurdwara along with his wife and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and other family members.

According to the preliminary account, the accused allegedly attacked Badal with a kirpan while he was coming down the stairs after completing his prayers.

Badal suffered an injury to his right forearm, while his security officer was also injured while attempting to protect him.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 1:50 pm. Security personnel intervened quickly and the accused was taken into custody at the spot.

What Is Sukhbir Badal’s Condition?

Sukhbir Badal sustained a wound of approximately 4–5 centimetres on his right forearm.

He received medical treatment and stitches, and his condition was reported to be stable.

His security officer also suffered minor injuries while intervening during the attack.

Political Leaders Condemn Attack

The incident triggered strong political reactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly spoke to Harsimrat Kaur Badal to enquire about Sukhbir Badal’s health following the attack.

BJP leaders also condemned the incident, particularly because it took place at a religious site.

SAD leaders, meanwhile, raised questions over security arrangements and demanded a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

SAD Raises Security Questions

SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema described the incident as a serious security and intelligence failure.

He also referred to an earlier attack involving Sukhbir Badal and questioned whether previous security concerns had been adequately investigated.

Another SAD leader, Gulzar Singh Ranike, called for a deeper investigation and demanded a CBI probe into the incident.

These are political allegations, however, and police have not confirmed any larger conspiracy at this stage.

Maharashtra Government Orders Probe

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the motive behind the attack.

Police are now examining the accused’s statement, his background, his contacts and his activities before the incident.

Investigators are also trying to establish whether the accused acted alone or whether anyone else may have been involved.

Political Context

The attack comes at a politically significant time in Punjab.

Sukhbir Badal had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2026, a meeting that had fuelled speculation about a possible political understanding between the SAD and BJP ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

However, there is currently no confirmed evidence linking that political development to the attack.

For now, investigators are focusing on determining the actual motive behind the incident and verifying the accused’s claims.

The alleged “divine command” explanation remains part of the ongoing investigation, rather than an established motive.