Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday stated that the attack on former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is extremely condemnable and shocking, emphasising that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in the incident.
Upon learning about the attack, Shinde contacted Sukhbir Singh Badal’s wife, Punjab MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, over the phone to inquire about his well being and prayed for his swift and complete recovery.
Recognising the severity of the incident, DCM Shinde directly contacted the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Nanded via telephone to review the situation. He issued clear directives to the police administration to conduct a thorough investigation, examine any potential security lapses and take stern action against all those found responsible.
“Maintaining the sanctity of religious places, social harmony and law and order is the highest responsibility of the Government,” he asserted.
Stating that there is no place for such violent attacks at religious or social venues in Maharashtra or anywhere in the country, Shinde strongly condemned the incident. He reiterated that the perpetrators will not be spared, every individual involved in the crime will be identified through the investigation, and no one will be shielded from facing strict legal consequences.
Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a full inquiry into the matter. He spoke directly with the Nanded Superintendent of Police for updates and personally contacted Badal by phone to inquire about his health. The attacker, identified by local authorities as 62 year old Jaspal Singh, was detained on the spot. Maharashtra Police have launched an investigation to establish the primary motive behind the assault.
Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against those involved. He said the incident appeared to have occurred very recently while he was attending a party meeting in Bhandara, adding that official details would be gathered and that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
The incident occurred around 11:00 AM, when Badal, accompanied by his wife, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, his daughters, son, and son in law, visited the shrine following a pilgrimage to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib. According to officials, an individual dressed in Nihang attire attacked Badal with a sharp weapon. Badal’s security team immediately intervened, overpowering the attacker and preventing further harm. A police inspector from the Nanded Police Special Protection Unit was also injured while helping foil the assault.
(IANS)
