Ex-Khalistani militant Narain Singh Chaura (L) and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal (L) Photo: PTI/X Ex-Khalistani militant Narain Singh Chaura (L) and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal (L) Photo: PTI/X

A former Khalistani militant identified as Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badalpgasia, on Wednesday from a close range while he was performing the duty of 'sewadar' outside the Golden Temple.

Badal is a Z plus protectee, which is highest level of security protection after SPG cover.

The attack outside the most revered Sikh shrine was captured on camera by media persons covering the second day of Badal's penance for the 'mistakes' committed by the SAD government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.

Big Breaking: Attack on Sukhbir Badal outside Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. A gunshot was fired by Dal Khalsa activist Narain Singh Chaura while Sukhbir Badal was performing sewa outside the Darbar Sahib. More details are awaited. #SukhbirBadalAttack pic.twitter.com/O9uSuayqGV

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) December 4, 2024 Attack on Badal at Golden Temple

As per the footage doing rounds on social media, the 68-year-old shooter, was seen slowly walking towards Badal, and pulling out a gun from his pocket.

However, the police and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force officials quickly intervened and grabbed his hands. Owing to the intervention, Chaura missed his target and a bullet hit the wall behind Badal who was sitting in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg.

Later, police identified the shooter as Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant, and a resident of Dera Baba Nanak."Narain Singh Chaura has been arrested and an FIR has been registered against him. The weapon used in the attack has been recovered", Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said.

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Who is Narain Singh Chaura?

According to police, Chaura's name is associated with militancy as he has been a part of banned Khalistani organisation like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

Reports suggest that Chaura also shared links with organisations such as the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation. Chaura has always been against the Badals. He is also a member of the Hawara group, which has been against the Badals since the 1980s.

Around a dozen complaints were registered against him, including charges of smuggling arms and explosives. Cases against him have been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar districts.

On February 28, 2013, Narain Singh Chaura was arrested for the first time in Tarn Taran following which police raided a hideout in Mohali and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

ALSO READ | Badal-led Akali Dal Faces A New Challenge: Accusation Of Religious Misconduct

According to a report by India Today, Chaura was close toprominent terrorists, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, Paramjit Singh Bhiora and Jagtar Singh Tara, accused of assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Chaura is also accused of helping the mastermind of the Burail jailbreak. He was accused of providing clothes and other items to the prisoners.

Back in 1984pgasia, Chaura reportedly fled to Pakistan and played a crucial role in fueling the insurgency in Punjab during the early days. He also authored a controversial book titled 'Khalistan Viruddh Saazish'.

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