By: Express News ServiceMohali | January 17, 2026 01:42 PM IST 3 min readThe accused, Karann Pathak alias ‘Defaulter’, was shot during a fierce exchange of fire with the police. (Express Photo)The main shooter in the murder of kabaddi promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria was killed in an encounter in Mohali early Saturday morning, the police said.The accused, Karann Pathak alias ‘Defaulter’, was shot during a fierce exchange of fire with the police near Rurki Kham village, close to the New Chandigarh cricket stadium in Mullanpur, the police said. The encounter began at around 7 am and lasted for nearly 30 minutes, during which both sides allegedly fired multiple rounds.Mandeep Singh Hans, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mohali, said Pathak was armed with a .30 bore pistol. “During the cordon, Karann Pathak opened fire at the police team and fired six to seven rounds. The police retaliated with around nine rounds. He was hit in the crossfire and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” he added.According to the police, Pathak had escaped from the custody of the Crime Investigation Agency late Friday night. He was being taken for the recovery of the .30 bore pistol when he complained of chest pain. While being shifted to Kharar Civil Hospital, Pathak allegedly attacked a police personnel using his handcuffs and fled from custody. The injured policeman, identified as Jaspinder, was admitted for treatment.An FIR was registered at Kharar police station in connection with the escape, while a separate FIR is being lodged regarding the encounter.SSP Hans said Pathak remained on the run for nearly six to seven hours. “On Saturday morning, we received specific input about his presence in the Mullanpur area. Police teams laid a trap and surrounded him. He opened fire, forcing the police to respond,” he added.Following Pathak’s escape, joint police teams from Mohali, Shri Fatehgarh Sahib and Ropar ranges were mobilised to track him down. The police have now launched a probe to ascertain who aided him during his brief escape and how logistical support was arranged.The Rana Balachauria murderStory continues below this adOn December 15, 2025, prominent kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria was shot dead during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana, SAS Nagar. The daylight murder sent shockwaves through the sports fraternity and triggered widespread panic in the region.Investigations revealed that the murder was the result of a well-planned conspiracy, with multiple accused involved in logistics, reconnaissance and execution. The police had earlier arrested several suspects linked to the planning and facilitation of the crime, while Karann Pathak was identified as the principal shooter.Police sources said the case involved inter-district criminal links and the use of illegal firearms.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Mohali newsMohali police