Punjab Police are probing a viral Instagram post that claimed responsibility for the killing of kabaddi player and sports promoter Rana Balachauria in Mohali, calling it “revenge” for the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Rana Balachauria, whose real name was Kanwar Digvijay Singh, was shot dead on Monday evening during a local kabaddi tournament in Mohali’s Sohana area. The attack took place around 5.30 pm in Sector 82, close to the Chandigarh airport road, as hundreds of spectators and players were present at the venue.
According to police sources, an Instagram reel allegedly posted by a small gang linked to the Bambiha gang claimed the murder was carried out to avenge Moosewala’s killing. The post further alleged that Balachauria had links with the Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs, and issued a warning to kabaddi players against participating in teams allegedly backed by rival gang members. Police have said the post is part of the ongoing investigation and its authenticity is being verified.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived at the venue in a Mahindra Bolero and approached Balachauria under the pretext of taking selfies before opening fire. Initially, some spectators mistook the gunshots for firecrackers, but panic broke out when Balachauria collapsed with gunshot wounds to his head and face. The sound of the firing was also captured on the livestream of the match.
Senior police officials, including DSP HS Bal, rushed the injured player to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where he was declared brought dead. Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans confirmed that multiple teams are investigating the case, including the possible gang rivalry angle.
The killing has heightened concerns over rising gang-related violence in the Chandigarh–Mohali region, which has witnessed several high-profile shootings in recent months.
