What started as a routine VIP go to at Mata Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded become a safety emergency on Thursday when Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal got here beneath assault whereas exiting the shrine.
On the coronary heart of the dramatic response was Police Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, a part of the Maharashtra Police safety group assigned to guard the VIP.
In accordance with safety sources, Badal arrived in Nanded at round 4:45 pm on August 12. On August 13, his programme included visits to Maltekdi, Heera Ghat and Mata Sahib Gurudwara. His safety was led by an ASP-rank officer, with Punjab Police personnel accompanying him, whereas Maharashtra Police deployed a group together with PSI/PI-level officers and 11 different personnel.
The assault befell at roughly 1:45-1:50 pm, as Badal was leaving the gurudwara.
Sources mentioned the attacker moved in direction of Badal with a kirpan hidden beneath his scarf. Alert Kendre noticed the attacker and overpowered him earlier than he might significantly hurt the SAD chief.
In accordance with sources the attacker aimed to stab Badal in his abdomen, however Kendre’s alertness averted the meant grievous assault, and Badal solely bought a slash on his hand.
Kendre additionally sustained an damage to his hand within the incident.
Inspector Kendre joined Maharashtra Police in 2001
The attacker was later recognized as Jaspal Singh, a Nihang Sikh, who labored on the gurudwara.
The assailant was subsequently detained and was taken away by cops whereas he chanted a spiritual slogan.
Moments earlier than the incident, Badal was seen interacting with devotees, with many clicking selfies with the Akali Dal chief. He was attacked whereas exiting the premises.
Badal was subsequently taken to a personal hospital in Nanded for medical consideration.
The Maharashtra Police safety group, together with Kendre, is being hailed for the speedy intervention that helped forestall the assault from escalating.
The Badal household has additionally acknowledged and expressed gratitude to Kendre following the incident. Badal’s spouse, Harsimrat Kaur, visited Inspector Kendre on the hospital the place he was handled for a wound on his hand.
Harsimrat Kaur thanked Kendre for his valiant effort and requested him if she might do something for him as a gesture of gratitude. To this Kendre replied that he did his obligation and that he has been educated to behave in such conditions.
“It is a part of our coaching. I had a fraction of a second to react. I did my obligation,” Kendre advised Harsimrat Kaur.
Kendre joined the Maharashtra Police in 2001 as a constable and was subsequently promoted to the rank of inspector.
