Narain Chaura, a former Khalistani militant, allegedly fired at Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Shiromani Akali Dal leader, near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions, with authorities launching an investigation into the motives behind the attack.
Narain Chaura: The Alleged Attacker
The assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, is a former Khalistani militant with a notorious criminal history. Chaura is known for his involvement in the Burail jailbreak, where he masterminded the escape of several militants. He has been associated with extremist groups such as Babbar Khalsa International and has aided notorious operatives like Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora.
Narain Chaura: Presence Near the Scene
Chaura, dressed in traditional white attire, was reportedly seen near Sukhbir Singh Badal at the time of the incident. His proximity to Badal suggests premeditation, adding to the seriousness of the attempted attack. The authorities are now focusing on his movements and connections to understand the broader context of this alarming event.The 2004 Jail Escape and Alleged Involvement
Heightened Security and Investigation
The incident occurred amid heightened security measures at the Golden Temple, where authorities have launched a full investigation into the motive and background of the attack. No injuries were reported, but the attack has raised concerns about potential threats in the region.
About Narain Chaura
Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant, has a long history of criminal activities, including his role in orchestrating the Burail jailbreak. Known for his associations with Babbar Khalsa International members such as Jagtar Singh Hawara and Paramjit Singh Bheora, Chaura was spotted near Sukhbir Singh Badal, dressed in a traditional white outfit.
In 2004, four Khalistani militants escaped from a high-security prison by digging a 94-foot-long tunnel. It is alleged that Narayan Singh Chaura played a significant role in aiding their escape. Although the court later acquitted him of the charges, his involvement in the case remains a subject of controversy.
Imprisonment and Bail under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act
Narayan Singh Chaura was arrested and imprisoned for several years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He spent five years in Amritsar Central Jail before being granted bail. During his time in prison, Chaura was linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation, two prominent pro-Khalistani groups.
2013 Arrest and Police Action
Chaura was arrested again on February 28, 2013, in Jalalabad village, Tarn Taran. Along with him, two of his associates, Sukhdev Singh and Gurinder Singh, were also apprehended. Following his arrest, police acted on his interrogation, leading them to raid a hideout in Kurali village, Mohali. The police claim to have recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition based on Chaura’s information.
Criminal Charges and Alleged Activities
Chaura faces charges in approximately 12 criminal cases, including those under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act across multiple districts. Police have also registered a case against him under the Explosives Act at Civil Lines police station in Amritsar. His alleged criminal activities span over several years, with a particular focus on militancy and weapon smuggling.
Connection to Militancy and Pakistan
In 1984, Narayan Singh Chaura is reported to have traveled to Pakistan, where he became actively involved in smuggling large consignments of weapons and explosives into Punjab during the peak of the militancy. During his time in Pakistan, he is also accused of writing a book on guerrilla warfare and producing anti-national literature, further linking him to separatist activities.
Legacy of Militancy and Ongoing Investigations
Narayan Singh Chaura‘s history and associations paint a picture of a committed figure in the Khalistani movement. Despite being released on bail, his ongoing legal challenges and the continuing investigations into his militant activities suggest that his role in the region’s turbulent history is far from over.
