Second Kabaddi Player Murdered in Punjab Within a Week: Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility and Issues Threats

New Delhi: In a disturbing development, another kabaddi player has been murdered in Punjab, marking the second such killing within a week. Gurwinder Singh was fatally attacked in Samrala block, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang publicly claiming responsibility for the crime.

According to a social media post from an account using the name of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, the murder was executed by Karan Madpur and Tej Chak. The post stated that Hari Boxer and Arzoo Bishnoi from the Bishnoi gang were taking responsibility for the killing.

The post also contained explicit threats, warning: "This is a warning for whoever sides with our enemies. Either mend your ways or be ready for the next bullet to pierce your chest. Either step back, or we know how to wipe you out."

This incident highlights the growing connection between kabaddi and criminal activities in Punjab. Singh becomes the tenth kabaddi player murdered since 2016, with authorities noting strong links between the sport and organized crime networks, including drug trafficking operations and gangster activities.

Over the years, kabaddi has evolved into a symbol of wealth and influence in Punjab. The sport's popularity among the Indian diaspora in Canada, the UK, and Australia has attracted significant international funding, much of it unaccounted for. This financial influx has enabled many players to accumulate considerable wealth and establish foreign connections.

Investigative sources have revealed that in several cases, proceeds from drug trafficking have been invested in kabaddi competitions. Many players have developed relationships with local political figures and criminal elements, sometimes becoming entangled in disputes that have led to targeted violence.

This killing follows the recent murder of Tejpal Singh, a 26-year-old national-level kabaddi player who was beaten by a group of assailants before being shot in the chest last Friday. While no gang claimed responsibility for Tejpal's murder, police have arrested two suspects, Gagandeep Singh and Harpreet Singh (known as Honey). Investigators suggest that long-standing personal enmity may have motivated the attack.