Rana Balachauria murder case: Punjab and Haryana High Court pulls up Punjab govt, summons DGP

PTC Web Desk:  The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday strongly reprimanded the Punjab Government over the murder of kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead in public view at Sohana in Mohali a couple of days ago. 

During the hearing, the Punjab and Haryana High Court linked the crime to the alleged “glorification of crime”, referring to the controversy surrounding interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda directed the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) to appear personally before the court and submit a detailed response on January 15.

The HC observed that despite earlier directions to the government to curb the glorification of criminals, Balachauria was brazenly shot dead in the presence of nearly 1,000 persons, raising serious questions about public safety.

As per an affidavit filed by Mohali SP (Investigation) Saurav Jindal, the murder took place around 5.55 pm, when a large crowd was present at the stadium. The state informed the court that 10 armed police personnel were deployed at the venue at the time of the incident.

When questioned by the court, the government stated that the shooters had been identified, though arrests were yet to be made.

Calling the incident “extremely serious,” the Punjab and Haryana High Court noted that two assailants managed to open fire in a crowded public place and escape, despite police presence.

“This raises alarming questions about the law and order situation in the state,” the Bench remarked, asking whether the steps mentioned in affidavits were sufficient to prevent such crimes.

The court further sought answers on why none of the shooters have been arrested so far, and what concrete measures are being taken to curb targeted killings, extortion, and organised crime.

Why are gangsters so active in Punjab?

Senior advocate Tanu Bedi, assisting the court, submitted that such incidents would continue unless the nexus between gangsters and the police is dismantled.

The Bench also questioned why gangster-related crimes appear to be more rampant in Punjab compared to neighbouring Haryana, recalling that nearly a year ago, the government had been asked to provide details of steps taken to combat organised crime.

Despite those assurances, the court noted, Balachauria was murdered in broad daylight at a sports event, even with police deployment.

DGP told to explain security measures

Taking serious note of multiple cases of targeted killings in the state, the High Court directed the Punjab DGP to explain:

The security arrangements in place on the day of the murder

Steps taken to prevent such incidents in future

Measures being adopted to arrest the accused promptly

Why sports events and public gatherings are being held without adequate security

“We are concerned about the safety of every citizen of Punjab. The state government must be equally concerned,” the court said.