Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has publicly lauded two Punjab Police officers for their heroic actions in thwarting an assassination attempt against him. Days after narrowly escaping an attack outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Badal took to social media to express his deep gratitude to Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) Jasbir Singh and Hira Singh, members of his security detail. He hailed them as family, emphasizing that their courage and quick thinking saved his life, a debt he believes he can never repay.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Badal shared photographs of the two ASIs, highlighting their dedication and unwavering loyalty. He stated (translated from Punjabi), “ASI Jasveer Singh and ASI Hira Singh, both under the guidance of Senior Prakash Singh ji, have been a part of our family since the time of Badal Sahab. I and my family have never lost sight of the courage and loyalty shown by them in our entire life.” This personal testament underscores the profound impact the officers’ actions had on Badal and his family.
The incident unfolded Wednesday during Badal’s performance of ‘seva’ (selfless service) outside the revered Golden Temple. A former Khalistani terrorist, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, attempted to assassinate the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab by opening fire. However, the swift intervention of the police prevented the attack from succeeding. The intricate security challenges posed by the Golden Temple’s open environment, where frisking devotees isn’t feasible, were overcome by the officers’ vigilance.
According to reports from ANI, ASI Jasbir Singh displayed exceptional alertness, noticing the shooter approaching Badal. With remarkable speed and bravery, he immediately tackled the attacker, disarming him before other security personnel could assist. This decisive action undoubtedly prevented a tragedy.
The attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, was apprehended and subsequently remanded to three days of police custody by an Amritsar court on Thursday. Despite the harrowing experience, Badal resumed his ‘sewadar’ duties on Friday at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, showcasing his resilience and commitment to service.
This incident highlights the bravery and dedication of the Punjab Police in protecting high-profile individuals while navigating complex security scenarios. The heroic actions of ASIs Jasbir Singh and Hira Singh stand as a testament to their commitment to duty and their unwavering courage in the face of danger. The event has also once again brought the issue of security threats to prominent political figures in Punjab to the forefront.
