Gunfire erupts during live-broadcast sporting event; three to four assailants escape; security at Punjab events questioned
A kabaddi player and sports promoter was shot and killed during a tournament in Sohana, Mohali district, late Sunday evening, reigniting concerns about gang violence in Punjab. The incident, which occurred in full view of players and spectators at a live-broadcast event, has been claimed by the Bambiha gang as revenge for the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Shooting at Packed Tournament
Digvijay Singh, alias Rana Balachauria, 30, was fatally shot during the kabaddi tournament organized by the Gurdwara Management Committee and Vedwan Sports Club Sohana. The tournament, which began on December 12th and was scheduled to conclude on December 15th, was being broadcast live when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitness accounts and video evidence circulating on social media, assailants approached Rana posing as fans seeking selfies. The attackers then opened fire at close range, shooting him multiple times. One bullet struck him in the head. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
“There were three to four attackers who fired four to five rounds,” said Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. “They fled on Bolero vehicles and motorcycles.”
Panic and Stampede
The shooting created immediate chaos at the venue. Initial confusion gripped the crowd as spectators mistook the gunshots for firecrackers. The confusion turned to panic when screams erupted, triggering a stampede among attendees. Video footage shows players practicing under floodlights moments before the shots rang out, capturing the sound of gunfire on the live broadcast.
The incident forced Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh, who was scheduled to be the chief guest at the tournament’s final, to cancel his appearance immediately after learning of the shooting.
Gang Claims Responsibility
The Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the murder through a social media post, stating that the killing was carried out as revenge for Sidhu Moosewala’s death. The post, attributed to gang members Donibal, Saganpreet, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabbe, Prabhdaswal, and Kaushal Chaudhary, alleged that Rana had connections with rival gang members Jaggu and Lawrence.
“This Rana Balachauria had connections with our rivals Jaggu and Lawrence. He supported Moosewala’s killers and provided them with a place to stay,” the post read. “Today, by killing Rana Balachauria, we have taken revenge for the murder of our brother Sidhu Moosewala.”
The gang further warned other kabaddi players and their parents, stating: “From today onwards, we request all players and their parents not to play in Jaggu and Harry’s team, otherwise, they will face similar consequences.”
Security Overhaul Demanded
The incident has raised serious questions about security arrangements at sporting events across Punjab. Several kabaddi tournaments had recently been cancelled due to security concerns, but Sohana tournament organizers had proceeded with the event without adequate protective measures.
Police officials acknowledged the security lapses. SSP Harmandeep Singh stated that strict action would be taken against criminals and that efforts would be made to prevent such incidents in the future. “The investigation is progressing rapidly and we are making every possible effort to apprehend the accused,” the SSP said.
Part of Larger Gang War
This murder is the second major incident in the Tricity area within ten days, intensifying concerns about gang violence. The Lawrence gang’s name had surfaced in the recent Perry murder case in Chandigarh. With two significant gang-related killings in quick succession, police in the region have been placed on high alert.
The incident marks another chapter in the ongoing gang conflict that has claimed numerous lives in Punjab, including prominent figures like Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead in May 2022 in a murder also claimed by rival gangs.
Investigation Underway
Mohali police have begun a thorough investigation into the incident. CCTV footage from surrounding areas is being examined to identify the assailants and track their escape route. Police have assured the public that the culprits will be arrested soon and that stringent measures will be implemented to enhance security at public events and gatherings across the region.
The case has been registered and investigations are ongoing.
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