Kabaddi player shot dead as gunmen open fire at tournament in Mohali
Mohali, December 16
A kabaddi player was shot dead after unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened indiscriminate fire during a kabaddi tournament in Sector 79 of Mohali on Monday evening, police said.
The incident occurred during a kabaddi match in the Sohana area, triggering panic among players, organisers, and spectators at the venue. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harmandeep Singh Hans, two to three assailants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire before fleeing the spot.
"A kabaddi match was taking place in Sohana when two or three people opened fire there. The victim, Rana Balachauria, a kabaddi player, was injured in the shooting and was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition," the SSP said.
The injured player was later identified as Kanwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria. Fortis Hospital Mohali confirmed that the 30-year-old kabaddi player succumbed to his injuries. In a statement, the hospital said, "Mr Kanwar Digvijay Singh was brought to Fortis Hospital Mohali at 6:05 PM on December 15, 2025, with gunshot injuries. Despite immediate clinical assessment and efforts by the medical team, he was declared dead. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."
Following the firing, police and other security forces rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area to prevent further disturbance. A forensic team also arrived at the venue and collected samples and other evidence to support the investigation.
Police officials said the investigation is underway to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the crime. Senior police officers are monitoring the investigation. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What is happening to Punjab? First, the state is battling a drug problem, and now shootouts at public events? This is a complete failure of law and order. Our youth deserve safe spaces to play and excel. Feeling so sad for his parents.
Very tragic. But respectfully, we need to ask tough questions. Were there any security arrangements at this tournament? In today's times, any public gathering needs proper planning. This could have been prevented with better policing and metal detectors at the entry.
Om Shanti. A 30-year-old life cut short. This is not just a crime against a person, but against the spirit of sport itself. I hope the investigation reveals the motive soon. Was it personal rivalry or something else? The public deserves to know.
This news sent chills down my spine. Mohali is considered a safe, modern city. If this can happen there, where are we safe? My heart goes out to his teammates and the spectators who witnessed this horror. The trauma will stay with them.
Reading this from abroad. It's deeply concerning. India has so much potential in sports, and kabaddi is gaining international recognition. Such incidents tarnish the image and create fear. Authorities need to send a strong message that this won't be tolerated.
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