A wave of shock hit the town of Mohali's Sohana neighborhood on Monday when unidentified assailants on motorbikes unleashed a hail of bullets during a private kabaddi tournament. The targeted player, Rana Balachauria, was struck by four to five bullets in the face and upper body. Efforts to save him were in vain, resulting in his tragic demise at the hospital.
According to Mohali's Superintendent of Police, Harmandeep Hans, the attackers approached the players under the pretext of taking a selfie. As soon as Rana Balachauria paused, they launched a sudden attack. Despite being rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, he succumbed to his severe injuries shortly afterward. Investigations indicate the shots were fired from close range.
After the incident, the assailants made their escape on motorcycles. Heightened security has been enforced, with police scrutinizing CCTV footage and social media activities. There is speculation of a gang-related motive, with the notorious Bambiha Gang allegedly admitting involvement, although police have refrained from making an official confirmation.
Inquiries are underway to explore any links this incident might have with a famous Punjabi singer expected to visit the kabaddi venue moments before the shooting. A viral social media post, purportedly from the Bambiha Gang, claims responsibility for the murder of Rana Balachauria in Sohana. This act is believed to avenge the murder of Sidhu Moosewala.
The social media post states in Punjabi...
Greetings, today Rana Balachauria was killed at the Sohana Sahib Kabaddi Cup in Mohali. I, along with my associates, take responsibility for this murder. This man was working against us with Jaggu Khotta and Lawrence Bishnoi. He sheltered the killers of Sidhu Moosewala and managed their operations. By killing Rana today, we have avenged our brother Moosewala. This was carried out by our allies Makhan Amritsar and Defaulter Karan. From now on, I request all players and their parents not to play for Jaggu Khotta and Harry Todd's team — the outcome will be the same. We have no aversion to kabaddi; we simply want to prevent any interference in kabaddi from Khotta and Harry Todd. Wait and watch.
Witnesses initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks. To escalate the fear among spectators, the attackers even fired into the air. A renowned Punjabi singer was expected during the evening events of the tournament, which led to a heavy gathering. Presently, the police are rigorously investigating the entire affair.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal has pinned the blame on the AAP government. He remarked that this murder during the Mohali tournament is clear evidence of Punjab's dire law and order situation. He claimed that criminals have become so bold that they are firing bullets at public events.
