SAS Nagar (Mohali), December 15, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Prominent kabaddi promoter and player Rana Balachauria was shot dead on Monday evening during the Sohana Kabaddi Cup in Mohali, sending shockwaves through the sporting community and raising serious concerns over public safety at sporting events.
According to police officials, the shooting occurred around 5:30 pm at a playground in Sector 82, where a kabaddi match was in progress. Balachauria sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and face and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
As per reports, three to five assailants, allegedly posing as fans, first approached Rana Balachauria under the pretext of taking a selfie. Moments later, they allegedly opened fire at close range, pumping nearly half a dozen bullets into his body, some of which struck his head. After the attack, the assailants managed to flee the scene, triggering panic and chaos at the venue.
Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans said preliminary investigations suggest that the killing may be linked to inter-gang rivalry, with suspicion pointing towards the Bambiha gang, as Balachauria reportedly had previous disputes with the group.
In a social media post that was later deleted, gangster Gopi Ghanshampuriya claimed responsibility for the murder. He alleged that the killing was carried out as an act of revenge connected to the Sidhu Moosewala murder, accusing Rana Balachauria of having provided shelter to Moosewala’s assailants. Sidhu Moosewala was allegedly killed by shooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Eyewitnesses said the kabaddi match was underway when sudden gunshots rang out, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety. The sound of firing was reportedly captured in the live broadcast of the match. Many in the crowd initially mistook the noise for firecrackers before realising that live bullets had been fired.
Witnesses further told police that the attackers arrived at the venue in a Bolero vehicle and opened fire as the teams were entering the field. The assailants fled immediately after the shooting.
Deputy Superintendent of Police HS Bal, who was the chief guest at the event, had reportedly left the venue shortly before the incident occurred.
Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh, who was scheduled to attend the tournament, is said to have turned back after being informed about the shooting.
Police teams reached the spot soon after the incident and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway to establish the exact sequence of events and motive behind the killing.
Sources also revealed that Rana Balachauria had got married only a few days ago, adding to the tragedy.
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