BADAL ESCAPES BID ON LIFE AT GOLDEN TEMPLE

Narain Singh Chaura, a former terrorist, fires at former Deputy CM performing sewadar's duty

- TARUNI GANDHI

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal escaped a bid on his life on Wednesday when a former Khalistani terrorist fired from a close range at Punjab's ex-deputy chief minister at the Golden Temple's entrance here but missed as plainclothes policemen overpowered him.

The audacious attack, which occurred at around 9:30 a.m., was captured on cameras by media persons who had gathered to cover the second day of Badal performing the duty of 'sewadar' at the main gate of the Sikh shrine as religious penance for "mistakes" committed by the SAD government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.

This has set waves of concern within the political setup of Punjab, considering that it took place at a site with religious importance. The Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of Sikh identity and resilience.

Chaura, 68, was seen at the shrine on Tuesday as well.