Mohali, Punjab: A chilling incident of violence unfolded at a private kabaddi tournament in Mohali on Sunday evening when well-known kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria was shot by unidentified gunmen, leaving him critically injured. The sudden firing triggered panic among players and spectators at the crowded sports ground in Sohana, where matches had been underway for several days.
According to police officials, the attack occurred around 5:30 pm, just as Rana Balachauria arrived at the venue with his team to participate in the tournament.
Attack Caught the Crowd Off Guard
Eyewitnesses said the situation turned chaotic within moments. The assailants allegedly approached Rana under the pretext of taking selfies, a common occurrence at sporting events. Within seconds, they opened fire, shooting him at close range before fleeing the scene.
“We initially thought someone was bursting firecrackers,” an eyewitness told police. “Then people started screaming and running for cover.”
The sound of gunfire was also captured in the live recording of the ongoing match, highlighting the suddenness and severity of the attack.
Rana Balachauria Suffers Severe Gunshot Injuries
Bullet wounds to head and face
Police confirmed that Rana Balachauria sustained multiple gunshot injuries, including wounds to his head and face. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mohali, where his condition remains critical.
Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans said medical teams are closely monitoring the player’s condition.
“Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria sustained bullet injuries and was critically wounded. He was rushed to a private hospital for treatment,” SSP Hans said.
How Many Attackers Were Involved?
Assailants fled on a motorcycle
Preliminary investigations suggest that two to three attackers were involved in the shooting. Police officials said the assailants escaped quickly on a motorcycle after firing several rounds.
Some witnesses also reported seeing a Bolero vehicle near the venue shortly before the firing, raising suspicions of coordinated planning. Police are currently verifying CCTV footage from nearby areas to trace the suspects’ movements.
Packed Venue, High-Profile Presence
The tournament was being held at a packed ground, with hundreds of spectators present. Officials confirmed that popular Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh was scheduled to attend the evening matches and distribute prizes, adding to the high-profile nature of the event.
The attack occurred moments after Rana Balachauria reached the venue, intensifying concerns over security lapses at public sporting events.
Police Register Case, Probe Underway
Motive still unclear
Punjab Police have registered a case and launched a full-scale investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting. Authorities are questioning eyewitnesses, scanning digital evidence, and exploring possible personal or professional rivalries.
“The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to identify and arrest the attackers at the earliest,” police officials said.
As of now, no arrests have been made.
Shockwaves Across Kabaddi Community
The incident has sent shockwaves through the kabaddi fraternity, with players, promoters, and fans expressing deep concern over safety at sporting events. Many have demanded stricter security arrangements at tournaments to prevent such incidents in the future.