Main accused in kabaddi player murder shot dead in police encounter in Mohali

Mohali: In a major breakthrough in the sensational murder of a kabaddi player during a live tournament, the prime accused was killed in a police encounter in Punjab’s Mohali district.

Punjab Police confirmed that the accused, Harpinder Singh alias Middu, was shot dead during a gunfight when he opened fire on the police team while attempting to evade arrest.

Police officials said the assailants involved in the murder were traced within two days of the crime, following an intensive investigation that relied heavily on CCTV footage, mobile phone videos, and visuals from the live broadcast of the kabaddi match. Acting on specific intelligence, Mohali police launched a coordinated operation in the Tarn Taran area on the outskirts of the city early on Tuesday.

According to the police, when teams attempted to nab Harpinder alias Middu, he tried to escape and fired at the police personnel. The police retaliated in self-defence, leading to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire. Harpinder sustained critical injuries in the encounter and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Harpinder alias Middu was the main accused in the brutal killing of noted kabaddi player Rana Balchauria. The murder had taken place during a kabaddi tournament in Mohali, moments before the match was about to begin.

Police said Harpinder and his associates arrived at the venue in a vehicle and suddenly opened fire at close range, pumping several bullets into Rana. The player collapsed on the spot and died despite efforts to shift him to hospital.

The shocking shooting, carried out in full public view, triggered panic among spectators and players alike, with many fleeing the venue in fear. The incident sent shockwaves across Punjab and raised serious concerns over player safety and organised crime influence in rural sports tournaments.

Investigators revealed that Harpinder was a habitual offender and figured on the police’s most-wanted list, with involvement in multiple criminal cases. Preliminary findings also suggest links between the attackers and organised crime networks operating in the region, though police said further details would be shared after the investigation progresses.

Rana Balchauria was a well-known kabaddi player and a tournament organiser in Mohali. On the day of the incident, he was leading his team and had just completed the toss. As players were warming up and preparations were underway for the match to start, the assailants struck without warning.

Punjab Police officials stated that efforts are continuing to track down and arrest the remaining accused involved in the crime. Security at sporting events across the state is also being reviewed in the wake of the incident. Police have reiterated that strict action will be taken against criminal elements attempting to disrupt public life and sporting activities through violence.

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