SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, a former Ferozepur MP, was attacked in Maharashtra. (File Photo)Nearly 10 days after 63-year-old Jaspal Singh was arrested for allegedly attacking Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji in Nanded, the police investigation has found no evidence of a wider conspiracy. Singh appears to have acted alone, with the attack being a spur-of-the-moment decision after a meditation session, according to police.Singh told investigators that he felt morally compelled to attack Badal, whom he blamed for the worsening drug crisis in Punjab during the SAD-BJP government’s decade in power. Police said they independently examined his claims through technical evidence, interrogation, and statements from people around him before concluding that he acted alone.“He is a deeply religious person who is known to be involved in meditation sessions and prayers most of the time. He blamed Badal for the worsening drug crisis in Punjab and, ever since he heard about Badal’s visit to the gurdwara where he was serving, he felt he had to do something,” an officer said.Singh told police that during a prayer session he felt a call from Waheguru to attack Badal, following which he decided to act, the officer said.“After going through technical evidence, his interrogation and recording statements of those around him, it appears that he was acting alone and that no one else was involved in the attack,” the officer said.Singh is expected to be produced before a local court on Monday.Police said Singh had left his wife and daughter in Pune in 2023 and subsequently became a Nihang Sikh sevadar (volunteer) in Nanded. He was a lawyer by profession and had worked with a corporate firm in Mumbai, police said.Story continues below this adThe attack took place when Badal was coming down the gurdwara’s steps. Singh, who was standing there with three others, allegedly lunged at Badal with a kirpan (dagger). A Maharashtra Police officer from Badal’s security detail intervened and stopped him. The officer also suffered minor injuries.Badal, 64, sustained an injury to his hand and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.Singh’s stated motive comes against the backdrop of sustained political attacks on the SAD leadership over the drug problem in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party and other political rivals have accused the SAD-BJP government of failing to curb the spread of synthetic drugs while it was in power in the state.Badal’s family has also faced political scrutiny over the issue. His brother-in-law and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested by Punjab Police in a narcotics case and was later granted bail.Mohamed Thaver is a highly specialized journalist with the Expertise and Authority required to report on complex law enforcement and legal issues. With a career dedicated to the crime beat for over a decade, his work provides readers with informed and trustworthy insights into Maharashtra's security and justice systems. Experience & Authority Core Focus: Has been exclusively covering the crime beat for over a decade, building deep, specialized knowledge in the field. Geographical Authority: Currently focuses heavily on law enforcement and policy in Maharashtra, providing authoritative coverage of the state's security apparatus. Key Beats: Law Enforcement: Reports on the operations of the Maharashtra Police and the Mumbai Crime Branch. Policy & Administration: Covers the Maharashtra Home Department, focusing on policy matters related to handling law and order and the evolution of the police force. Judiciary: Has significant past experience covering the courts, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the entire criminal justice process from investigation to verdict. Specialized Interest (Cyber & Forensics): Demonstrates Expertise in modern investigative techniques, with a keen focus on cyber crime and forensics, reporting on how these technologies assist complex crime investigations. Content Focus: His reports revolve around police probes, the evolution of the force, and state policy, ensuring his content is highly relevant and detailed. Credentials & Trustworthiness Mohamed Thaver’s long-standing specialization in the crime beat—combined with his focus on technological aspects like cyber crime and his direct coverage of major institutions like the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Maharashtra Home Department—underscores his Trustworthiness and status as an expert source for detailed and reliable journalism on law and order. He tweets @thaver_mohamed ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal