Punjab HC Issues Notice on Sukhbir’s Plea for CBI Probe into Attack Attempt

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Punjab government to respond to a petition filed by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. He is requesting a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into an attack on him outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The incident happened on December 4 last year when former militant Narain Singh Chaura fired at Sukhbir while he was performing religious service at the temple entrance.

Sukhbir, who was undertaking penance for past political mistakes, narrowly escaped the attack. The incident was caught on camera as journalists were present to cover the event. Punjab Police arrested Chaura immediately and charged him with attempted murder. However, Sukhbir claims the police investigation was unfair and influenced by political motives.

Allegations of bias in probe

Sukhbir’s petition argues that the Punjab Police misrepresented facts in the FIR and final report. He also claims the case was filed late and based on a statement from someone who was not an eyewitness. According to him, his own statement was never recorded, indicating a deliberate attempt to weaken the case. He further alleges that CCTV footage and witness accounts suggest a larger conspiracy, which the police have ignored.

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On March 25, a court in Amritsar granted bail to Chaura, a move Sukhbir believes was due to "investigative lapses." He insists that political pressure has influenced the probe and demands that an independent agency take over the case.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Police is investigating drug trafficking charges against Sukhbir’s brother-in-law, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia. The SIT has approached a Mohali court for search warrants, with a hearing scheduled for Saturday. The developments indicate ongoing political and legal battles in Punjab.