Kabaddi player Balachauria killed in Mohali, Bambiha gang claims revenge for Moosewala murder

Bambiha gang claims Moosewala revenge killing

A kabaddi player was shot dead by unidentified assailants during a tournament in Mohali, Punjab, on Monday. The victim, Rana Balachauria, was approached by attackers on a motorcycle under the pretext of taking a selfie before they opened fire, police said.

The Bambiha gang has claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that Balachauria had given shelter to those involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. In its statement, the gang also alleged that Balachauria had previously worked with rival gangs led by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Lawrence Bishnoi. It named two assailants, Makhan Amritsar and Karan, as carrying out the killing.

Rana was critically injured, sustaining four to five gunshot wounds to his face and upper body, and was rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, where he succumbed to his injuries. Mohali SSP Harmandeep Hans confirmed that the assailants had approached the players under the guise of taking photographs. “We are getting details and gathering information. At this stage, we cannot comment on the real angle behind the incident,” he said.

Police are probing multiple angles, including a potential gangster link. Investigators are also examining whether the shooting had any connection to a prominent Punjabi singer, who was scheduled to appear at the venue shortly before the attack. Meanwhile, the Bambiha gang’s post included a warning to kabaddi players and their parents against playing for certain teams, threatening similar consequences in the future. Police have not officially verified the post’s authenticity and continue to investigate.

The incident has sparked a political backlash in Punjab, with opposition leaders criticising the AAP government over the law and order situation. Punjab BJP General Secretary Parminder Brar said the shooting exposed the gap between government claims and reality, questioning whether Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab” truly reflected a safe environment for youth.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa called the shooting “unacceptable,” urging immediate action, while Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described it as a “chilling reminder” of governance failure. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal held the state government responsible, stating that the attack showed a complete breakdown of law and order and that criminals were emboldened to strike at crowded public events.

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