Alacrity & presence of mind shown by ASI saved the day

ASI Jasbir Singh’s presence of mind and swift action averted the murderous attack on SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.

It has been learnt that ASI Jasbir Singh was associated with security of the Badal family since long.

Showing gratitude towards ASI Jasbir, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said the Punjab Police should refrain from taking credit of ‘police’s swiftness’. “ASI Jasbir was in security of the Badal family since 2002. He was with Parkash Singh Badal’s security. He is like a family member and was on duty as part of Sukhbir’s security,” he added.

A pro-Khalistan activist identified as Narain Singh Chaura, opened fire at Sukhbir but missed the target as he was overpowered by ASI Jasbir Singh and two other cops — Rashpal Singh and Parminder Singh.

As Chaura was approaching towards Sukhbir sitting on a wheelchair, he took out a pistol and pointed towards him but before he could press the trigger, ASI Jasbir caught hold of him and the bullet missed the target.

ASI Jasbir said senior police officials had already briefed them about any possible mishappening. “As per the alert, I immediately sensed the trouble as suspect took out pistol from his clothes. Before he could press the trigger, I caught hold of his hand,” he said.

“We can’t frisk anyone, nor can we stop anyone at the Golden Temple. So, when he (Chaura) came there, I was standing alert. Looking at him, everything became clear and I left no time to overpower him,” he said.

A three-tier security was put in place in and around the Golden Temple complex to guard the Akali leaders who were performing ‘sewa’ at the washrooms, langar hall and jaura ghar as part of ‘tankhah’ awarded to them. Today, around seven SAD leaders were performing ‘sewa’ at the shrine.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said, “An AIG and SSP level officers were in charge of the security arrangement in and around the Golden Temple. They were being assisted by two SPs, two DSPs and 175 cops,” he said.