Chandigarh, April 5, 2025 — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking a transfer of the Golden Temple assassination attempt case to a central agency like the CBI or NIA, citing political interference and bias in the ongoing investigation by Punjab Police.
Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya has issued a notice to the Punjab Government, asking for a formal reply by April 30 regarding Badal’s plea.
Alleged Assassination Attempt During Religious Service
The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, while Badal was serving religious punishment as a sewadar at the Golden Temple following directives from the Akal Takht, the supreme Sikh temporal authority. The punishment was linked to alleged past mistakes committed by SAD during its 2007–2017 tenure concerning Sikh community matters.
Badal was attacked near the temple entrance by Narain Singh Chaura, allegedly a Khalistan sympathiser with a criminal history. The attack was thwarted due to the swift action of his security detail. Last month, Chaura was granted bail, raising serious concerns over the integrity of the investigation.
Badal Alleges Deliberate Lapses and Political Pressure
In his petition, Badal stated that the probe was marred by bias, and the FIR was lodged after an undue delay, based on the statement of a non-eyewitness. He further highlighted that his own statement was never recorded, which he claims demonstrates a pre-meditated attempt to dilute the gravity of the attack.
“The accused is a known history-sheeter and has been released on bail due to glaring investigative lapses. The entire process reeks of misrepresentation and suppression of critical facts,” the petition states.
Badal also pointed to CCTV footage and multiple witness statements, asserting the presence of a larger conspiracy that allegedly involved additional individuals who remain uninvestigated.
Political Undercurrents Surround the Case
The timing of the attack and the subsequent handling of the case have added fuel to political tensions in Punjab, with SAD leaders claiming state-sponsored vendetta and manipulation of law enforcement.
Badal’s plea to shift the investigation to a neutral central agency like the CBI or NIA is being viewed as an attempt to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice, particularly in a matter involving a senior political figure and sensitive religious context.
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