The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken serious note of the public killing of Punjab’s well-known kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauriya during a tournament in Mohali. Treating the matter as grave, the court has sought a detailed response from the Punjab government regarding the security arrangements at the event.

The High Court has directed the state government to inform it, at the next hearing, about the police deployment during the kabaddi tournament where Rana Balachauriya was shot dead. The court has specifically asked how many police personnel were present at the venue and what kind of security measures were put in place. The court observed that such a high-profile murder in front of hundreds of spectators raises serious concerns about law and order in the state.

Notably, the court took suo motu cognizance of the matter while hearing a case related to the jail interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, during which issues linked to organized crime and public safety were also discussed.

How the Murder Took Place

Rana Balachauriya had reached the Sohna Sahib Kabaddi Cup tournament in Sector 82, Mohali, on December 15, 2025. According to reports, while the tournament was underway, Balachauriya was taking a selfie with a fan when armed assailants suddenly opened fire. He was shot in the head at close range in front of a large crowd.

To create panic and facilitate their escape, the attackers also fired shots in the air before fleeing the spot. The incident caused chaos at the venue, with spectators running for cover.

Gang Link and Claims of Responsibility

Soon after the incident, the Bambiha gang and its associated networks claimed responsibility for the murder on social media. The gang described the killing as an act of revenge for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.

They alleged that Rana Balachauriya had links with the Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs and had provided shelter to individuals involved in Moose Wala’s killing. However, police have not officially confirmed all these claims and are continuing their investigation into the conspiracy behind the murder.

Court Seeks Accountability

The High Court has made it clear that the Punjab government must explain the security lapse, the total number of people present at the tournament, and the administrative response following the incident. The court remarked that such daylight killings at public events severely dent public confidence and demand strict accountability.