Narayan Singh Chaura, a controversial figure associated with Dal Khalsa, has a long history of involvement in militancy and Khalistani activities. Born on April 4, 1956, in the village of Chaura, near Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), Chaura is allegedly linked to organizations such as the Khalistan Liberation Force and Akal Federation.
He is accused of aiding the masterminds of the Burail jailbreak case by providing clothes and other supplies to the prisoners. Chaura maintained close ties with key militants, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, Parmjit Singh Bheora, and Jagtar Singh Tara—accused in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh—and visited them in jail.
The Recent Incident
On December 2, 2024, Sukhbir Singh Badal was sentenced by Sri Akal Takht Sahib for the alleged wrongdoings during his Akali government’s tenure. As part of his punishment, he was performing sewa at the entrance of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, when Narayan Singh Chaura attempted to shoot him.
The situation was immediately brought under control by the sewadars present, who overpowered Chaura on the spot and handed him over to the police.
Chaura’s Militant Activities
Narayan Singh Chaura reportedly crossed into Pakistan in 1984 during the initial phase of militancy in Punjab. There, he played a crucial role in smuggling large consignments of weapons and explosives into India. While in Pakistan, he allegedly authored a book on guerrilla warfare and seditious literature.
He was arrested on February 28, 2013, from Jalalabad village in Tarn Taran, while his accomplices, Sukhdev Singh and Gurinder Singh, were apprehended from Pandoori village. Following their interrogation, police raided a hideout in Kurali village, Mohali district, and claimed to have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.
Legal Troubles
Chaura has faced numerous charges under various laws, including:
• Explosives Act: A case registered on May 8, 2010, at Civil Lines Police Station, Amritsar.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Cases filed in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar districts.
He has been linked to around a dozen cases, including accusations of smuggling weapons and explosives. In one instance, he was acquitted by an Amritsar court in an Explosives Act case.
Accusations and Allegations
Chaura’s activities have drawn severe criticism, with allegations that he played a pivotal role in promoting militancy in Punjab. He is also accused of being involved in the Burail jailbreak case.
Narayan Singh Chaura’s Role in History• During his time in Pakistan, he was instrumental in the militant insurgency, smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab. • Chaura is believed to have written a book on guerrilla warfare and seditious propaganda. • He has been accused of aiding high-profile militants and has consistently remained under police scrutiny.
