Kabaddi Tournament Turns Fatal in Mohali: Prominent Player Rana Balachauria Shot Dead Before Crowd

Delhi: Punjab was shaken by a shocking act of violence on Monday evening when a well-known kabaddi player and event promoter was gunned down in full public view during an ongoing tournament in Mohali district. The incident occurred at Sohana village, where a large crowd had gathered for the popular Sohana Kabaddi Cup.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Kanwar Digvijay Singh, popularly known as Rana Balachauria, was attacked moments after he reached the venue along with his team. Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere of celebration instantly turned into chaos as gunshots rang out, sending spectators into panic.

Rana Balachauria sustained critical bullet injuries and was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mohali. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival despite emergency medical efforts. Hospital authorities confirmed that the kabaddi player was brought in with severe gunshot wounds and could not be revived.

Preliminary police investigations suggest that two to three assailants were involved in the attack. According to officials, the shooters fled the scene on a motorcycle soon after opening fire. Senior police officer Harmandeep Singh Hans stated that teams have been formed to identify and track down the attackers, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined.

Disturbing visuals of the shooting have surfaced on social media, showing the attackers approaching the player at close range under the guise of taking a photograph before firing at him. Reports indicate that a notorious gang has claimed responsibility for the killing, though police are yet to officially confirm this angle.

Rana Balachauria was a familiar name in Punjab’s kabaddi circuit and had also built a strong presence on social media. Apart from sports, he was associated with the entertainment industry and had appeared in Punjabi music projects. He had recently tied the knot, adding to the grief surrounding his untimely death.

The tournament venue was heavily crowded at the time of the incident, with thousands in attendance. Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was also scheduled to attend the event later in the evening to distribute prizes, highlighting the scale and prominence of the tournament.

The killing has triggered sharp political reactions across Punjab. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, have targeted the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order. Leaders demanded accountability and immediate action, stating that such incidents have created fear among sportspersons and the general public.