Amritsar (Punjab) [India], December 4 (HBTV): A man opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday morning while he was serving his penance at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The shooter, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, was overpowered by people on the spot and arrested.

ADCP Harpal Singh stated, 'There were proper security arrangements here... Sukhbir ji was properly covered... Narayan Singh Chaura (assailant) was here yesterday as well... Today too, he first paid obeisance to the Guru...' When asked if anyone was hurt by the bullet, Singh responded, 'No.'

Singh emphasized that the security arrangements were sufficient, adding that the shooter’s attempt to cause harm was thwarted.

Badal, clad in a blue 'sewadar' uniform, was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple, performing the 'tankhah' religious punishment issued by the Akal Takht Board for religious misconduct during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab from 2007 to 2017. As part of the punishment, Badal was engaged in tasks such as washing utensils and cleaning shoes and bathrooms.

The shooting occurred while Badal was at the Guru Ram Das Dwar, with people around him quickly capturing the shooter.

Badal had been declared a 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August by the Akal Takht, which announced the punishment for decisions made by SAD during their time in power from 2007 to 2017.

(ANI)