Chandigarh, December 5 – A day after surviving an assassination attempt, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal carried out voluntary service at Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Punjab’s Rupnagar district on Thursday under heavy security arrangements.
The former Deputy Chief Minister, who is under Z+ security cover, arrived at Anandpur Sahib surrounded by a protective cordon. Dressed in the blue uniform of a 'sewadar' and holding a spear, Badal stationed himself at the gurudwara’s entrance, fulfilling the religious penance mandated by the Akal Takht.
The directive was issued as a spiritual punishment for the errors committed by the SAD government and party during its 2007-2017 tenure. The Akal Takht instructed Badal to serve as a 'sewadar' for two days each at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib in Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib.
On Wednesday, during his second day of penance at the Golden Temple, Badal narrowly escaped when a former Khalistani terrorist attempted to shoot him at close range. His life was spared as plainclothes policemen apprehended the attacker, causing the shot to miss and hit a wall instead.
Ahead of Badal’s visit to Takht Kesgarh Sahib, the Rupnagar police implemented extensive security measures. Senior Superintendent of Police Gulneet Singh Khurana stated that a foolproof security arrangement was in place, with plainclothes officers deployed and remaining vigilant.
Badal was joined by other SAD leaders and party workers during his service at the gurudwara. The incident has raised concerns about security arrangements for prominent political figures in Punjab.
