Gunshots were fired at the Golden Temple premises on December 2, where Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, were performing ‘seva’ (service) as part of a religious penance imposed on them by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The incident occurred while the SAD leaders were carrying out their religious duties in response to the penance announced by the highest Sikh authority. While the leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, were engaged in their service, a series of gunshots rang out, creating panic among those present at the sacred site.
#WATCH | Punjab: Bullets fired at Golden Temple premises in Amritsar where SAD leaders, including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, are offering ‘seva’ under the religious punishments pronounced for them by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on 2nd December.
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— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024
According to witnesses, the gunshots were fired at a distance, and security personnel quickly responded to the situation. The Golden Temple complex was immediately secured, and no injuries were reported in the incident. It is believed that the attackers fled the scene shortly after firing the shots.
The attack comes at a time of heightened political and religious tensions in Punjab, where the SAD leaders had been asked to perform ‘seva’ by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib as part of their atonement for previous actions deemed inappropriate by the religious body. The penance was part of a longstanding religious tradition, and the ceremony held special significance for both the party and the Sikh community.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the Punjab Police are analyzing CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects involved in the shooting. No arrests have been made so far, and police are urging the public to come forward with any information.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various political and religious groups, with many calling it an attack on the sanctity of the Golden Temple, a place considered the holiest in Sikhism. SAD leaders have expressed shock and concern over the incident, urging for swift justice.
This shooting incident adds to the growing concerns about security at religious sites in Punjab, especially given the recent tensions surrounding the political and religious activities of leaders like Sukhbir Singh Badal. Local authorities have assured that they will strengthen security around the Golden Temple and other key religious locations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Further investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack and the identities of those responsible.
