Who Is Inspector Santosh Kendre? Why Harsimrat Badal Called Him a Hero
Babushahi Bureau
Mumbai (Maharastra)August 14, 2026: Maharashtra Police Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre has been receiving praise for his courage after reportedly placing himself between Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and an attacker during the incident at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, wife of Sukhbir Badal and SAD MP, thanked Kendre in a social media post, describing his actions as an act of extraordinary courage.
According to Harsimrat Badal, Kendre, who is posted with the Maharashtra Police’s Special Protection Unit (SPU), acted as a human shield between Sukhbir Badal and the attacker, putting his own life at risk to protect the SAD president.
She said the officer’s actions reflected the true meaning of wearing the police uniform, putting duty before personal safety and courage before fear. The Badal family also expressed its gratitude to Kendre and prayed for his speedy recovery.
Harsimrat Badal also acknowledged the efforts of doctors and staff at Yashosai Hospital, where those injured in the incident received medical care.
Kendre’s intervention during the attack has brought attention to the role of security personnel who responded at the scene and acted to protect Sukhbir Badal during the incident.