Kabaddi Player Shot Dead at Mohali Tournament, Triggering Political Storm Over Punjab’s Law and Order

Gunmen posed as fans, opened fire in packed stadium; police probe motive as opposition targets Mann government

Mohali, Punjab:
A 30-year-old kabaddi player and promoter was shot dead by unidentified assailants at a crowded tournament venue in Mohali on Monday evening, raising serious questions about public safety at sporting events in Punjab and sparking sharp political reactions.

The victim, Kanwar Digvijay Singh, popularly known as Rana Balachauria, was attacked shortly after he arrived with his team to participate in a private kabaddi tournament at Sohana, on the outskirts of Mohali. Police said the assailants fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.

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What Happened at the Tournament

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harmandeep Singh Hans, the incident occurred while matches were underway at a packed ground that had drawn hundreds of spectators. Some eyewitnesses told investigators that two to three attackers approached Singh pretending to be fans, requesting selfies.

“Moments later, they opened fire,” an eyewitness told police, adding that several people initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers. To create panic and ensure escape, the attackers also fired shots in the air, witnesses said.

Singh was critically wounded and rushed to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

In a statement, the hospital said:
“Mr Kanwar Digvijay Singh, a 30-year-old kabaddi player, was brought to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, at 6:05 pm with gunshot injuries. Despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead.”

Police have launched a manhunt and are examining CCTV footage from the area. Asked whether the killing was linked to personal enmity or gang rivalry, SSP Hans said the matter was under investigation and no conclusions had been drawn yet.

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High-Profile Event, Heightened Shock

The killing has sent shockwaves through Punjab’s sporting community, particularly because the tournament was a high-profile event. Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was expected to attend the evening matches to distribute prizes, and security arrangements were reportedly in place.

“This was not a deserted area or a late-night incident. It happened in front of a crowd, during a sporting event,” said a local organiser, underscoring concerns about audacity and planning behind the attack.

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A Disturbing Pattern

The murder has revived memories of earlier attacks on kabaddi players in Punjab:

• Sandeep Nangal Ambian, a well-known international kabaddi player, was shot dead during a tournament in Jalandhar district in 2022.

• In October this year, 25-year-old kabaddi player Teja Singh was gunned down in broad daylight in Jagraon.

Sports administrators warn that repeated violence is creating fear among athletes and organisers, potentially damaging Punjab’s deep-rooted kabaddi culture.

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Opposition Slams Mann Government

The incident quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, with opposition parties accusing the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to maintain law and order.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said on X that firing at a public sports event was evidence of governance collapse, adding that Punjabis were being “forced to live in fear.”

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa called the shooting a “damning verdict” on the Chief Minister’s performance as both CM and Home Minister, claiming criminals were operating with impunity.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a post in Punjabi, said criminals were now so emboldened that they did not hesitate to open fire in front of crowds during live matches. He alleged that murders, extortions, and violent crimes were becoming routine in the state.

Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma said the killing showed that even sports grounds were no longer safe. He noted that Singh had recently married and accused the government of allowing “gangster rule” to flourish.

The ruling AAP has not yet issued a detailed response to the opposition’s allegations, though officials have said police action is underway.

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Why This Case Matters

The killing of Rana Balachauria goes beyond a single crime. It highlights:

• Public safety risks at sporting and cultural events

• Rising anxiety over organised crime and gun violence in Punjab

• Impact on grassroots sports, particularly kabaddi, which holds deep cultural significance in the state

Security experts say repeated incidents of violence at public gatherings can erode confidence not only among athletes but also among spectators and organisers, affecting tourism, sports sponsorships, and community events.

As the investigation continues, pressure is mounting on the Punjab government to demonstrate swift action—both in bringing the attackers to justice and in restoring a sense of safety at public venues.