A kabaddi player was fatally shot during a tournament in Mohali after bike-borne assailants approached him under the guise of taking a selfie. The attackers fired multiple rounds at the victim, identified as Rana Balachauria, who sustained gunshot wounds to his face and upper body. He was rushed to Fortis Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Police said two to three individuals came near the players pretending to click photographs and suddenly opened fire at close range. Officers are investigating multiple angles, including whether the killing is tied to a gang rivalry or personal enmity. Mohali SSP Harmandeep Hans stated that it was too early to determine the precise motive behind the attack.
Soon after the shooting, the Bambiha gang claimed responsibility in a social media post, alleging that Rana had provided shelter to those involved in the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala. They also accused him of working with gangs linked to Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Lawrence Bishnoi and identified two individuals, Makhan Amritsar and Karan, as the shooters. Police have not yet verified the authenticity of the gang’s claims.
Investigators are also probing whether the incident has any connection to a prominent Punjabi singer who was expected to visit the tournament venue earlier that day. CCTV footage, digital evidence, and eyewitness accounts are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The killing triggered swift political reactions, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government over what they described as a deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. BJP leaders argued that such incidents contradict the government’s promises of a safe and vibrant Punjab. Congress leaders called the shooting a stark indication of governance failure, while Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the state administration of allowing criminals to operate freely and neglecting public security.
As the investigation continues, police have increased security in the region and are monitoring social media activity for gang-related communications.
