What began as a routine VIP visit at Mata Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded turned into a security emergency on Thursday when Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal came under attack while exiting the shrine.
At the heart of the dramatic response was Police Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre, part of the Maharashtra Police security team assigned to protect the VIP.
According to security sources, Badal arrived in Nanded at around 4:45 pm on August 12. On August 13, his programme included visits to Maltekdi, Heera Ghat and Mata Sahib Gurudwara. His security was led by an ASP-rank officer, with Punjab Police personnel accompanying him, while Maharashtra Police deployed a team including PSI/PI-level officers and 11 other personnel.
The attack took place at approximately 1:45-1:50 pm, as Badal was leaving the gurudwara.
Sources said the attacker moved towards Badal with a kirpan hidden under his shawl. Alert Kendre spotted the attacker and overpowered him before he could seriously harm the SAD leader.
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