Punjab Kabaddi Player Murder: Main Suspect Killed in Police Encounter Following Tournament Shooting

A 30-year-old kabaddi player was fatally shot during a tournament in Punjab's Mohali, leading to a police investigation with swift developments.

In a significant breakthrough, Mohali police eliminated the primary suspect, Harpinder (also known as Middu), in an encounter just two days after the murder. The suspect, who resided in Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran district, sustained injuries during a shootout with police and subsequently died at a hospital.

The exchange of fire also resulted in injuries to two police officers who are currently receiving medical treatment.

According to police investigations, Harpinder had a substantial criminal history involving numerous serious offenses.

The incident occurred Monday evening when Kanwar Digvijay Singh, known locally as Rana Balachauria, a kabaddi player and promoter, was shot at Bedwan Sports Club in Mohali's Sohana area during an ongoing tournament. Despite being rushed to Fortis Hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Witnesses reported that the assailant arrived on a motorcycle and fired multiple shots at Balachauria using a .30 bore weapon, creating chaos among spectators.

Mohali Police have identified three suspects connected to the murder: Aditya Kapoor (alias Makhan) and Karan Pathak (alias Defaulter Karan), both Amritsar residents who allegedly carried out the shooting, along with Harpinder. Authorities believe they are affiliated with a criminal gang.

Investigators theorize that the gang sought to establish dominance over kabaddi tournaments in the region. Reports suggest they targeted Balachauria due to his suspected connections with imprisoned gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.