"Where Did Chaura Get the Pistol to Attack Sukhbir Badal? Questions Raised on Police Officer's Role"

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Following the deadly attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who had arrived at Harmandir Sahib to serve a religious punishment issued by Akal Takht Sahib, serious concerns have been raised about the law and order situation in Punjab. The accused, Narayan Singh Chaura, was promptly arrested. Chaura, known for his involvement in terrorist activities, reportedly planned to kill Sukhbir Singh Badal alone. Initial investigations suggest that he arrived at the Golden Temple by himself.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the attack. Narayan Singh Chaura has been linked to over 30 terrorist activities and has multiple cases registered against him. He is believed to have carried out the attack after Akal Takht announced the punishment for Sukhbir Singh Badal. A senior police officer stated that Chaura’s past as a terrorist makes it challenging to extract information during interrogation. However, it has been revealed that the attack was not carried out under anyone's instructions but was his personal decision, believing that the punishment given to Sukhbir Singh Badal was too lenient.

Police have emphasized that the statement given by the accused during interrogation is not crucial unless he repeats it in court. On Thursday, a Shiromani Akali Dal leader presented CCTV footage, claiming that Chaura had been in contact with SP Harpal Singh, who was overseeing security arrangements outside the Golden Temple. Vikram Singh Majithia, while showing the video, alleged that the SP of Dera Baba Nanak had close ties with Chaura. Despite knowing Chaura’s terrorist background, Harpal Singh is said to have befriended him.

Majithia also pointed out that SP Harpal Singh was seen heading toward the Information Office shortly before the attack took place. It remains unclear whether Chaura entered the temple with a pistol or arranged one inside. Chaura is known to have smuggled weapons from across the border for Khalistani activities and is believed to still be in contact with a Khalistani sleeper cell. He had also posted anti-SAD messages on social media.