Shots Fired at Golden Temple During Akali Dal Leaders’ Religious Observance

A tense situation unfolded at the Golden Temple premises in Amritsar on Wednesday when bullets were fired during a religious ceremony attended by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. The leaders were performing seva as part of religious punishments handed down by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism. The incident disrupted the solemn proceedings, raising serious concerns about security at the revered shrine.

Punjab police quickly intervened and apprehended the alleged shooter, identified as Narain Singh Chaura. Chaura, a former militant with a history of criminal cases, has reportedly spent significant time underground to evade arrest. His attempted attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal is believed to be linked to deep-seated political or ideological motives, although authorities have not yet disclosed the specific reasons behind his actions. Chaura hails from the Dera Baba Nanak area and is known for his alleged involvement in several controversial activities in the past.

This incident has sparked alarm within Punjab, as it highlights the intersection of political tensions and religious sensitivities in the state. The Golden Temple, a symbol of spiritual unity and peace, has often been at the center of significant events in Sikh history, making this attack a grave matter for both the community and law enforcement agencies. Authorities are now intensifying security measures at the site and conducting a thorough investigation into Chaura’s background and motives to ensure such breaches do not recur.