Kabaddi Tournament Turns Deadly as Team Promoter Shot Dead in Mohali

A shocking incident of violence rocked a kabaddi tournament in Sector 82, Mohali, on Sunday evening, when a team promoter was shot dead at point-blank range, prompting concerns over public safety and law and order in the state.

The victim, identified as Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balchauriya (30), a kabaddi player and promoter of the Shakkarpur Kabaddi Team, was attacked around 6:00 pm near the tournament venue. According to preliminary reports, two unidentified youths approached the victim under the pretext of taking a selfie, led him aside near the parking area, and opened fire at close range, shooting him in the head. He was rushed to a private hospital in Mohali, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police officials stated that four rounds were fired during the attack. The assailants fled the scene on a motorcycle, firing shots in the air to deter people who attempted to chase them.

Soon after the incident, the Gopi Ghanshyampuria gang claimed responsibility for the murder through a social media post, alleging the victim’s links to rival gangs and claiming the killing was in retaliation for the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. The post also issued warnings to kabaddi players and teams against supporting rival groups.

Senior police officials, including forensic teams, reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said that initial findings suggest the involvement of two to three assailants, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend them.

Following the incident, tournament organisers called off the event.

The killing has sparked strong political reactions. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticised the state government, calling the incident a reflection of deteriorating law and order in Punjab, and questioned the safety of public and sporting events in the state.