Punjab News: A kabaddi player and event promoter, Rana Balachoria, was shot dead on Monday evening during a Kabaddi Cup tournament in Sohana village. The incident took place at the Sector 82 grounds, where a match was underway with a large audience present. The tournament was being organised by the Gurdwara Management Committee and the Vaidwan Sports Club and was being broadcast live.
Attackers Posed As Fans
According to police and eyewitnesses, three young men approached Balachoria pretending to be fans and asked for a selfie. As he posed for photographs, the attackers allegedly fired four to five rounds at him from close range. The bullets hit his head and face, leaving him critically injured.
After the attack, the assailants reportedly fired shots in the air to create panic and fled the spot using a motorcycle and a Bolero vehicle.
Rushed to Hospital, Dies During Treatment
Balachoria was immediately taken to Fortis Hospital in Phase 8, where doctors tried to save him. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans said the attackers lured the victim away from the stage on the pretext of taking selfies before opening fire. City 2 DSP H S Ball, who was present at the venue, helped rush the injured man to hospital.
Rivalry Angle Under Probe
Preliminary investigation suggests the murder may be linked to a long-standing rivalry. Police teams are examining CCTV footage from the area and have involved forensic experts to identify and track down the accused.
Gang Claims Responsibility
Later in the night, a social media post allegedly by Sagar Norit, linked to the Ghanshyampuria gang, claimed responsibility for the killing. The post described the attack as an act of revenge and alleged that Balachoria had links with the Lawrence gang. Police said they are verifying the authenticity of the post and its claims.
Security has been tightened in the area as the investigation continues.