Mohali :
The shocking murder of prominent Kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria during a tournament in Sohana, Mohali, has brought to light the deepening influence of gangsters in Punjab’s Kabaddi circuits. Balachauria was shot dead in broad daylight, with police citing turf wars, extortion from sponsors, and possible links to the 2022 killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala as potential motives.
Punjab’s traditional sport has increasingly become entangled with criminal elements. In recent years, several Kabaddi-related killings have been reported, including the March 2022 murder of international player Sandeep Singh Sandhu (Nangal Ambian) in Jalandhar. Later that year, players Gurvinder Singh and Tejpal were also shot dead over turf and personal disputes.
A social media post claimed responsibility for Balachauria’s murder, alleging that he had aided Moosewala’s shooters and had ties with gangsters Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Lawrence Bishnoi. The post identified the assailants and issued a warning to other players against supporting rival teams.
Officials confirmed that gangsters exploit Kabaddi tournaments to extort sponsors, manipulate match outcomes, and influence player participation. Some leagues run by criminal networks also operate internationally, including in Canada and the UK.
In connection with the case, Punjab Police have arrested Aishdeep Singh and Jugraj Singh. Harpinder Singh, alias Middhi, was killed in an encounter after reportedly opening fire on officers. The main shooters, Aditya Kapoor (Makhan) and Karan Pathak (Defaulter Karan), are still at large. Police continue raids under SSP SAS Nagar Harmandeep Singh Hans to apprehend the remaining suspects.
