...
...
Next Story

Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria dies after being shot at minutes before key match in Mohali

Rana Balachauria shooting: Eyewitnesses said a group of men arrived at the venue in a Bolero vehicle and opened fire as the teams were entering the field.

Updated on: Dec 15, 2025, 23:13:53 IST
Advertisement

A kabaddi player was critically injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire during a kabaddi match in Mohali on Monday, triggering panic at a venue packed with spectators. Rana Balachauria, whose real name is Kanwar Digvijay Singh, was also one of the organisers of the event.

Rana Balachauria was shot in the head and face before the Kabaddi match. (Instagram/@ranabalachaur777)
Rana Balachauria was shot in the head and face before the Kabaddi match. (Instagram/@ranabalachaur777)

The incident occurred around 5.30 pm at a ground in Sector 82, where a kabaddi tournament was underway. As per the latest update from Fortis Hospital in Mohali, the 30-year-old kabbadi player was declared dead as he was brought to the hospital for treatment.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that Mr. Kanwar Digvijay Singh, a 30-year-old Kabaddi player, was brought to Fortis Hospital Mohali at 6:05 PM on 15th December 2025 with gunshot injuries. Despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time," read the official staement by the hospotal.

Shot minutes before match

According to police and eyewitnesses, the match was in progress when gunshots rang out, sending players and spectators scrambling for cover. The sound of the firing was also captured in the live recording of the match.

Eyewitnesses said a group of men arrived at the venue in a Bolero vehicle and opened fire as the teams were entering the field.

Initially, many in the crowd mistook the sound for firecrackers, but chaos ensued when it became clear that live rounds had been fired.

Deputy Superintendent of Police HS Bal was the chief guest at the event, and the shooting took place shortly after he had left the venue.

Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh, who was on his way to attend the tournament, reportedly turned back after being informed about the incident.

The attackers fled the scene immediately after the firing. Police teams reached the spot soon after and launched a search operation to trace the assailants.

A case has been registered, and investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe