Who is Narain Singh Chaura? The man who fired at Sukhbir Badal at Golden Temple

Amritsar: A man opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday morning while Badal was serving a religious penance at the entrance of the Golden Temple. The assailant, identified by police as Narain Singh Chaura, was swiftly overpowered by people on the spot and taken into custody.

A troubled history

During the height of the Khalistani movement, numerous factions emerged within the Sikh community, encompassing both militant and political groups. Chaura is believed to have been aligned with the militant wing, which vehemently opposed Punjab's political establishment, particularly the leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the region's dominant Sikh political party.

Chaura is reportedly associated with the Dal Khalsa group and has a long history of alleged involvement in militancy and criminal activities. Chaura was implicated in the high-profile Beant Singh assassination case and has been linked to cases under the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Chaura came out of jail on bail in August 2018 after serving five years and has been booked in numerous cases, including smuggling explosives during the 1984 riots. According to authorities, Chaura crossed into Pakistan during that time and allegedly facilitated the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Punjab. While in Pakistan, he is also said to have authored guerrilla warfare manuals and other seditious literature.

In 2013, Chaura was arrested from Jalalabad village in Tarn Taran. Police claimed to have recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during a subsequent raid in Mohali district. He was acquitted in March 2023 in a case under the Explosives Act. However, he remains a controversial figure with a legacy of militancy accusations.

Narain Chaura was the mastermind behind the Burail jailbreak. He played a key role in assisting Babbar Khalsa International terrorists Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora, along with their accomplices Jagtar Singh Tara and Devi Singh, in escaping from Burail jail.

The Incident

Dressed in a blue sewadar uniform, Badal was fulfilling a ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) at the Golden Temple, mandated by the Akal Takht for alleged misconduct during his tenure from 2007 to 2017. According to ADCP Harpal Singh, the assailant was seen conducting reconnaissance at the temple a day earlier. Despite proper security arrangements, the attacker fired a shot but failed to harm Badal.

“Security arrangements were proper. The person tried to do some mischief but could not succeed,” Singh said. No injuries were reported, and the shooter was subdued by bystanders.

The incident has raised concerns about security in the politically sensitive region and the motivations of individuals with a history of militancy. Police are continuing their investigation.

Badal was declared a 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August by Akal Takht, which announced religious punishment for him. Badal, who served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab from 2007 to 2017, Badal is doing 'sewadar' work - washing utensils, cleaning shoes and bathrooms - at the Golden Temple. The Akal Takht issued the punishments for him citing the "mistakes" and "some decisions" taken by SAD and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.