A Kabaddi player shot dead in Mohali by unidentified assailants during a tournament in Punjab’s Mohali district on Monday, creating panic at the sporting venue.
The victim, identified as Rana Balachauria, was attacked while participating in the event. According to police, the assailants arrived on a motorcycle and approached the players under the pretext of taking a selfie. Moments later, they opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
Rana sustained four to five gunshot wounds to his face and upper body. He was immediately rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, where doctors declared him critically injured. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Hans confirmed that two to three attackers were involved in the incident.
“They approached the players pretending to take photographs and suddenly opened fire. We are collecting information and probing the matter from multiple angles,” the SSP said, adding that no conclusions have been drawn yet regarding the motive.
Sources revealed that four to five bullets were fired from close range. Police are investigating possible gang-related links behind the killing.
Meanwhile, the Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post. The group alleged that Rana had provided shelter to individuals involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. The gang further claimed that Rana was associated with rival gangs linked to Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Lawrence Bishnoi, and named Makhan Amritsar and Karan as the attackers.
Investigators are also examining whether the incident has any connection to a well-known Punjabi singer who was reportedly scheduled to arrive at the kabaddi venue shortly before the shooting.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and further details will emerge as the probe progresses.
