The investigation into the high-profile attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal has gathered momentum, expanding its reach into Maharashtra. Following official orders issued by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a joint team from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Pune Police searched the residential property and law office of the accused Jaspal Singh in Pune. Investigative agencies are currently conducting a detailed background check to trace Jaspal Singh's local contacts and recent movements.
From Law Practice to Sevadar: Examining the Accused's Background
According to investigative sources, accused Jaspal Singh previously practiced as an attorney before relocating to Nanded, where he began offering voluntary religious services as a sevadar at the local Gurdwara. During initial questioning, Jaspal Singh reportedly voiced deep resentment regarding the prevailing drug issue in Punjab, assigning blame directly to Sukhbir Singh Badal for the crisis. However, law enforcement officials emphasized that a concrete motive behind the assault has not yet been conclusively established. Both the Maharashtra Police and the ATS continue to interrogate Jaspal Singh while meticulously examining his operational history.
Sukhbir Singh Badal Responds to the Assault
In the wake of the incident, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal delivered a firm public statement, asserting that such attacks would not deter his commitment to the region. He contended that the primary objective behind the assault was to hijack the political narrative in Punjab and destabilize law and order. As the head of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Badal pledged that he would never permit anti-social elements to disrupt the state's peaceful atmosphere.
Reflecting on previous safety incidents, Badal noted that both attacks targeted him at sacred locations. He stated, "I was never afraid and am not afraid now." He reiterated that the Shiromani Akali Dal remains dedicated to upholding the honor, unity, and social fabric of Punjab, emphasizing that communal harmony and statewide development remain the party's paramount priorities.
