Badal attack: Accused blamed SAD for drug crisis

Jaspal Singh, the accused in the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded, reportedly blamed the previous SAD government for the drug crisis in Punjab, according to police. Singh, 62, claimed that the SAD administration had ignored drug trafficking, leaving numerous young individuals affected by drug abuse.

However, authorities have not found any link between him and a banned organization or an extremist group. Singh was taken into custody on Friday and is currently before a local court in Nanded. He initially stated that his anger stemmed from the drug problem in Punjab, but the precise motive behind the attack will be revealed only after a thorough investigation.

Police have not uncovered any gang connections or criminal background of the attacker, stated Nanded superintendent of police Neelabh Rohan. Singh also mentioned political discontent as a potential factor, citing his party's failure to win the public's trust and its inability to tackle the drug issue. Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and central investigating agencies questioned Singh until late Thursday night.

Badal was targeted while leaving Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded on Thursday at around 1:50 PM. A police sub-inspector from the Special Protection Unit protected Badal during the incident, sustaining minor injuries.