A local court on Tuesday granted bail to Narain Singh Chaura, the accused who opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple on December 4, 2024. The attack, which was caught on camera, occurred as Badal was performing religious service at the shrine’s main gate.
The 68-year-old Chaura, a former militant, was arrested immediately after the incident and booked under sections related to attempt to murder and the Arms Act. He had been in judicial custody since the day of the attack, which he carried out before being swiftly overpowered by police personnel present at the scene.
On Tuesday, Additional Sessions Judge Sumit Ghai granted bail to Chaura, noting the prolonged pre-trial detention. “Since the applicant has been in custody since 4.12.2024 and the conclusion of trial will take its own time, therefore, no useful purpose would be served by detaining the accused/applicant in custody for an indefinite period,” the judge observed in his order.
Chaura was directed to furnish a bail bond of ₹1 lakh along with a surety of the same amount. His lawyer, Jaspal Singh Manjpur, confirmed that his release from Ropar jail is expected on Wednesday.
