Amritsar- The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has held Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly responsible for the recent attack on SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. The incident occurred on December 3 while Badal was performing ‘sewa’ at the Sri Darbar Sahib complex.
The SAD alleged that the Amritsar Police, led by Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, colluded with the attacker, Narayan Singh Chaura, a known terrorist. CCTV footage and what the SAD termed a “blatant cover-up operation” by the police are said to corroborate this claim.
The police reportedly filed a weak First Information Report (FIR), describing Chaura as a member of the ‘sangat’ who attempted to attack Badal but was overpowered. The FIR also mentioned that a shot was fired into the air during the chaos. The SAD, however, claims this narrative is an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the attack and protect the perpetrator.
SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal had earlier faced threats, with Chaura allegedly identifying him as a target. Despite this, SAD questioned why no action was taken against Chaura when he was seen conducting reconnaissance of the complex.
Demanding accountability, SAD has called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a court-monitored investigation. “The party will also approach the Governor to expose the lapses in security and the inaction by police authorities,” an SAD spokesperson stated.
The attack has sparked political tensions, with the SAD accusing the AAP government of negligence and complicity, while the AAP leadership has yet to respond to these allegations. The situation underscores growing political rivalries in Punjab amidst concerns over law and order.