By: Express News ServiceMohali | Updated: December 16, 2025 08:51 PM IST 3 min readKunwar Digvijay Singh, alias Rana Balachauria had professional ties with Bhagwanpuria related to kabaddi tournaments, which allegedly triggered rivalry with opposing gangs, the police said. (Source: Instagram)The Mohali police Tuesday claimed the daylight murder of kabaddi promoter and player Kunwar Digvijay Singh, alias Rana Balachauria, was carried out due to his alleged proximity to gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.Balachauria had professional ties with Bhagwanpuria related to kabaddi tournaments, which allegedly triggered rivalry with opposing gangs, the police said.Balachauria was shot dead on Monday evening at Dussehra ground in Sector 79, Sohana, shortly after the conclusion of a kabaddi tournament organised by Baidwan Sports Club, Sohana. The tournament began on December 12 and concluded on December 15. The incident occurred when Balachauria was exiting the venue after the final match.Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans said the murder was meticulously planned. “Two shooters arrived on a motorcycle and approached Balachauria on the pretext of taking a selfie. They then fired bullets from a .30 bore pistol, targeting his head, and fled the spot immediately,” the SSP said.Police teams launched a anhunt, with two teams each deployed in Delhi-NCR and Amritsar, following inputs that the accused may be hiding in these areas. “A third unidentified person is also suspected to be involved. We believe this individual knew Balachauria personally and facilitated the shooters’ access to him,” SSP Hans added.In the incident, Jagpreet Singh, a resident of Ropar, too suffered injuries. “He was hit by pellets when he tried to help Balachauria after he collapsed following the firing. He has been hospitalised and is undergoing treatment,” the police said, adding that he is also being questioned.On Tuesday, the police scrutinised CCTV footage from nearby areas and toll plazas while technical teams were deployed to trace the motorcycle used in the crime. Efforts were underway to identify those who helped the shooters escape and provided them shelter.Story continues below this adPolice confirmed that both shooters have been identified as Aditya Kapoor, alias Makhan, and Karan Pathak, alias Defaulter, residents of Amritsar. They have been named in the FIR registered at Sohana police station under murder and Arms Act provisions.“Preliminary investigation suggests the murder was carried out on the directions of the Donny Bal and Lucky Patial gangs, linked to the Bambiha group,” the SSP said.Police said Makhan has 13 FIRs registered against him across various police stations while Defaulter is named in two criminal cases.SSP Hans clarified that the murder has no connection with the Sidhu Moosewala murder case, dismissing social media speculation.Story continues below this ad“There is no evidence linking this incident to the Moosewala case. This is purely a gang rivalry over dominance in kabaddi tournaments,” he said, urging the public not to spread rumours.To nab the accused, 12 special police teams were constituted and raids were being conducted across Punjab and other states.“Punjab Police, under the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav, is capable of controlling organised crime. All those involved in this heinous crime will be brought to justice soon,” SSP Hans said.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:mohali