In a significant development for law and order in Punjab, the Mohali Police engaged in a major encounter with one of the primary suspects involved in the broad-daylight murder of kabaddi promoter and player Kanwar Digvijay Singh, popularly known as Rana Balachauria. The encounter took place following an intensive manhunt launched by multiple police teams across state borders.
The Background of the Murder Rana Balachauria, 30, was brutally shot dead on December 15, 2024, during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana, Mohali. The assailants, posing as fans, approached him for a selfie before firing multiple rounds at point-blank range. The victim had recently married, and the incident sparked widespread political outrage and fear in the state.
The Encounter Details Acting on technical intelligence and tip-offs, special units of the Punjab Police tracked the location of the shooters. During a targeted raid, the suspects opened fire on the police party, leading to a retaliatory encounter. Senior police officials confirmed that one of the main shooters, identified as having a deep criminal record with the Bambiha gang, was neutralized/apprehended during the exchange of fire.
Gang Rivalry and Motive The police investigation has linked the murder to a bitter rivalry between the Bambiha gang and the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria-Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate over dominance in the kabaddi circuit. While the Bambiha gang initially claimed the killing was revenge for the Sidhu Moosewala murder, the police have clarified that the primary motive was competition for influence over sporting tournaments in rural Punjab.
Police Action and Investigation As many as 12 special teams were formed under the supervision of the Mohali SSP to nab the culprits. The identified shooters, Aditya Kapoor (Makhan) and Karan Pathak, are known criminals with numerous FIRs against them. The Punjab Police has reiterated its commitment to dismantling the gangster culture and ensuring the safety of public sporting events.
