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Mohali: A kabaddi tournament in Mohali, Punjab, turned deadly on Monday when gunmen opened fire during a live match, killing kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria. The attack, carried out in front of players and spectators, has sent shockwaves through Punjab’s sports fraternity. Balachauria was shot in the head and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Police said the Bambiha gang has claimed responsibility, and investigations are under way into possible gang rivalry.
Firing During Live Match Causes Panic
The incident occurred at a ground in Sector 82, Sohana, where a kabaddi match was in progress and being streamed live. Players were warming up on the field when gunshots rang out, initially mistaken for firecrackers. Within moments, panic gripped the venue as spectators and players realised it was a firing incident. People were seen running in different directions to save themselves.
Attackers Arrived in Bolero, Fired Multiple Rounds
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants arrived in a Bolero vehicle and fired four to six rounds before fleeing the scene. Some witnesses claimed that a few attackers escaped on motorcycles. Bullets reportedly passed over the heads of spectators, narrowly missing several people.
Promoter Targeted, Shot in Head
Police said the attackers specifically targeted Rana Balachauria, who was promoting the tournament. He was hit in the head and collapsed on the ground with critical injuries. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead during treatment. Officials confirmed that no other person was injured in the firing.
Attackers Posed as Fans
Investigators said the shooters allegedly posed as fans, approached Balachauria asking for selfies, and then suddenly opened fire at close range. The shooting took place when teams had stepped outside the ground after match arrangements.
Recently Married, Emerging Kabaddi Figure
Rana Balachauria, whose real name was Kanwar Digvijay Singh, had got married just 10 days ago. He was a kabaddi player, an aspiring actor, and had taken up the role of team promoter about a year ago. He had brought two teams to participate in the Sohana Kabaddi Cup. Commentator Sevak Shergarh said Balachauria was also the manager of Jalandhar’s Shakarpur team.
The tournament was organised by the Gurudwara Management Committee and Vedwan Sports Club, Sohana. Only four matches had been played so far, and Balachauria had just finalised the semi-final tie before stepping out, when the attack took place.
Singer Mankirt Aulakh Was to Attend
Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was scheduled to attend the event, but the firing occurred about half an hour before his arrival. He was not present at the venue at the time of the incident.
Gang Angle Under Probe
Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans confirmed that the gang rivalry angle is being investigated. “The Bambiha gang has claimed responsibility. We are verifying the claim and probing all possible angles, including any old enmity,” the SSP said, adding that a possible dispute with gang member Lucky Patial was also being examined. He said four to five bullets were fired, and the exact number of bullets that hit the victim is being ascertained.
CCTV Footage, Live Video Under Scrutiny
The entire incident was captured on live cameras, and police are examining CCTV footage from the ground and surrounding areas to identify the attackers and trace their escape route. Senior police officers reached the spot immediately after the firing. A detailed investigation is under way, and further developments are awaited.
