Why the Accused Targeted SAD Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal: Understanding the Motive
Indiadailyupdate.com – Why the accused targeted SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has become a critical question following a dramatic incident at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The accused, identified as Jaspal Singh, allegedly launched his attack over the former Punjab government’s handling of the drug crisis. According to News18 reports, Singh claimed that the previous Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) administration turned a blind eye to drug trafficking across the state, leaving thousands of young people ruined by substance abuse. Police are now examining the accused’s statements from every possible angle to understand the full context of the attack.
Maharashtra ATS and central investigating agencies questioned Jaspal Singh till late Thursday night, as they work to piece together the complete narrative. The agencies are also probing the political angle behind the attack, considering whether there might be deeper motivations beyond the stated drug grievance. The former Punjab deputy CM sustained injuries in a ‘kirpan’ attack by a member of the Nihang order inside the gurdwara on Thursday. Senior leaders, including Badal’s brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia, have demanded a CBI or a high court-monitored probe into the matter.
Background of the Accused and Security Details
“We need to realise that no one attacks at ‘Guru ghar’,” Majithia told PTI, expressing his shock at the incident. “Those who are atheists do such acts,” he added. Majithia also claimed the attacker first struck at Badal’s hand and then attempted to attack his chest with a knife. Badal had previously escaped a similar attempt on his life at the Golden Temple entrance in December 2024, making this the second such incident in less than a year.
Jaspal Singh holds degrees in commerce and law and is based in Pune with his family, the SP said, adding that he was staying alone in Nanded at the time of the attack. “‘We are checking his background…Initially he said he was angry about the drugs (problem) in Punjab. But the exact reason for the attack will come out only after a detailed investigation. We have also not come across any gang connection or criminal background of the attacker,'” Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan explained. Although Badal holds Z-plus category security, his central CISF cover—comprising around 40 personnel—applies only in Punjab and Delhi. Consequently, it was Punjab Police personnel who were guarding him when the attack took place.
Earlier this month, Badal had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, igniting speculation about the possibility of the Punjab-based party joining hands with the BJP again ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year. The SAD left the NDA six years ago following differences over the three agriculture laws that were later withdrawn by the Modi government. The Badal family was visiting Maharashtra from August 12-14, 2026, when the incident occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jaspal Singh, the accused in the Badal attack? Jaspal Singh is a commerce and law graduate from Pune who was staying alone in Nanded at the time of the attack. He has no known gang connections or criminal background.
What is the primary motive behind the attack? The accused initially stated he was angry about the drug problem in Punjab and alleged that the former SAD government failed to address drug trafficking effectively.
What security was Sukhbir Singh Badal receiving during the attack? While Badal holds Z-plus category security, his central CISF cover applies only in Punjab and Delhi. During the Nanded incident, Punjab Police personnel were providing his security.
Has Badal faced any previous assassination attempts? Yes, Badal had escaped a similar attempt on his life at the Golden Temple entrance in December 2024, making this the second such incident in less than a year.
