A kabaddi player was shot dead during a tournament in Mohali, Punjab, on Monday after unidentified assailants approached him under the pretext of taking a selfie and opened fire at close range, police said. 

The victim, Rana Balachauria, was critically injured in the attack and later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital. The incident has since taken a serious turn after the Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the killing in a social media post.

What happened

The shooting took place during a kabaddi tournament at a packed venue in Mohali. Police said the attackers approached the players pretending to take photographs before suddenly firing.

Balachauria sustained four to five gunshot wounds to the face and upper body. He was rushed to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where doctors declared him dead.

Gang claims responsibility

The Bambiha gang, in a social media post, claimed it carried out the killing. The gang alleged that Balachauria had provided shelter to those involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

It also claimed that he had earlier worked with rival gangs led by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Lawrence Bishnoi. The post named Makhan Amritsar and Karan as the shooters. Police have not officially verified the authenticity of the post and said all claims are being examined.

Police response

Mohali SSP Harmandeep Hans confirmed the modus operandi of the attackers. “The assailants approached the players under the guise of taking photographs. We are gathering details and cannot comment on the real angle behind the incident at this stage,” he said.

Investigators are probing multiple angles, including possible gangster links. Police are also examining whether the shooting had any connection to a prominent Punjabi singer who was scheduled to attend the event shortly before the attack.

Threats spark alarm

The Bambiha gang’s post also carried a warning to kabaddi players and their parents, cautioning them against playing for certain teams and threatening similar consequences, raising serious concerns over player safety.

Political backlash

The killing has triggered sharp political reactions across Punjab. Punjab BJP General Secretary Parminder Brar questioned the AAP government’s claims on law and order, asking whether Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab” reflected ground reality.

Former Deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa called the incident “unacceptable” and demanded immediate action. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described the shooting as a “chilling reminder” of governance failure.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the attack showed a complete breakdown of law and order, with criminals bold enough to strike at crowded public events.

Investigation underway

Police have intensified security, are scanning CCTV footage, and monitoring social media activity as the investigation continues.