Rana Balachauria murder: Photographs of two identified shooters surface; killing was executed with meticulous planning
Aditya Kapoor is facing 13 FIRs, while Karan Pathak has two cases registered against him
PTC Web Desk: The Mohali Police have uncovered chilling details about the murder of well-known kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana, Mohali, on December 15. Investigators say the killing was executed with meticulous planning, despite police security being deployed at the venue.
According to the police, the photographs of two identified shooters, Aditya Kapoor, alias Makhan, and Karan Pathak, have surfaced. Both are residents of Amritsar and have a criminal history. Aditya Kapoor is facing 13 FIRs, while Karan Pathak has two cases registered against him. The police believe a third accomplice and several others involved in surveillance, intelligence sharing and logistical support are still at large.
People close to Balachauria told the police that he had been receiving indirect threats related to kabaddi. The warnings were not conveyed directly to him but were passed on through members of his team and associates. He was allegedly being pressured to stop his team from participating in tournaments, as his squad was considered dominant in the circuit.
Mohali SSP Harmandeep Hans said the kabaddi tournament had been organised after completing all formal procedures and permissions. Adequate police deployment was in place to prevent any untoward incident. DSP Harsimran Singh Bal was also invited as the chief guest and was present at the venue for some time, during which security personnel remained on high alert.
As per police investigations, the criminal module became active only after the DSP left the venue. Sources allegedly tipped off the shooters about the change in security posture, following which they prepared to execute the attack.
SSP Hans said Balachauria was called away from the main stage by an individual who took him to the side of the venue. Investigators are examining whether he was lured on the pretext of meeting fans or taking photographs. Since Balachauria agreed to go with the person, the police suspect the individual may have been known to him, possibly an organiser, associate or a prominent figure from the kabaddi fraternity.
Disguised as fans, the shooters approached Balachauria and requested a selfie. In the tournament atmosphere, Balachauria reportedly did not object. While posing for the photograph, the assailants fired a point-blank shot at his head. After Balachauria collapsed, the shooters escaped on a motorcycle.
To prevent immediate medical aid, the attackers allegedly fired additional shots to scare people away as the crowd attempted to rush towards the injured promoter. The police said the intention was clearly to delay his evacuation to hospital. Balachauria succumbed to his injuries before he could be saved, with the bullet entering from the back of his head and exiting through his mouth.
The police have stated that the identified shooters are linked to the Bambiha gang and are associates of gangsters Lucky Patial and Dony Bal. Investigators are also probing suspected links between Balachauria and jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, which may have made him a target.
The Bambiha gang has claimed responsibility for the murder, alleging it was carried out as revenge for the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. The gang claimed Balachauria had helped the accused in the Moosewala case by arranging shelter for them and accused him of having links with Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Lawrence Bishnoi.
However, Mohali SSP Harmandeep Hans dismissed this claim, stating that the murder was linked to control and dominance in kabaddi tournaments. “This killing was aimed at establishing supremacy in the kabaddi circuit. Rana Balachauria was a big name, and that made him a target. The Moosewala revenge narrative is being used only to justify the crime,” he said.