Main Shooter in Kabaddi Promoter Murder Killed in Mohali Encounter
The prime accused in the high-profile murder of kabaddi promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, known as Rana Balachauria, met his end in a dramatic police encounter. Karann Pathak, who also went by the alias 'Defaulter', was shot dead during an intense exchange of fire with law enforcement officials in Mohali early Saturday morning.
Fierce Firefight Near Cricket Stadium
Police officials confirmed the encounter occurred near Rurki Kham village, close to the New Chandigarh cricket stadium in Mullanpur. The shootout began around 7 am and lasted approximately thirty minutes. Both sides exchanged multiple rounds of gunfire during the confrontation.
Mandeep Singh Hans, Senior Superintendent of Police for Mohali, provided details of the incident. He stated that Pathak was armed with a .30 bore pistol during the encounter. "Karann Pathak opened fire at our police team first," SSP Hans explained. "He fired six to seven rounds. Our officers responded with about nine rounds in retaliation. Pathak sustained injuries in the crossfire and later died at the hospital."
Dramatic Escape from Police Custody
The encounter followed a dramatic escape by Pathak from police custody just hours earlier. According to authorities, Pathak escaped late Friday night while being transported by the Crime Investigation Agency. Police were taking him to recover the .30 bore pistol when he complained of chest pain.
While being shifted to Kharar Civil Hospital for medical attention, Pathak allegedly attacked a police officer using his handcuffs. He then fled from custody successfully. The injured policeman, identified as Jaspinder, required hospital treatment for his injuries.
Police have registered a First Information Report at Kharar police station regarding the escape. Authorities plan to file a separate FIR concerning the encounter that resulted in Pathak's death.
Massive Manhunt and Final Confrontation
Following Pathak's escape, police launched an extensive manhunt across multiple districts. Joint teams from Mohali, Shri Fatehgarh Sahib, and Ropar police ranges coordinated efforts to track down the fugitive.
SSP Hans revealed that Pathak remained on the run for approximately six to seven hours. "We received specific intelligence about his location in the Mullanpur area on Saturday morning," he stated. "Our teams quickly set up a trap and surrounded him. When he opened fire on our officers, they were forced to respond in self-defense."
Police have now initiated an investigation to determine who assisted Pathak during his brief period of freedom. Authorities are examining how logistical support was arranged for the escaped accused.
Background of the Rana Balachauria Murder Case
The case traces back to December 15, 2025, when prominent kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria was shot dead during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana, SAS Nagar. The daylight murder shocked the sports community and created widespread panic throughout the region.
Investigations uncovered a carefully planned conspiracy behind the killing. Multiple individuals were involved in various aspects of the crime, including logistics, reconnaissance, and execution. Police had previously arrested several suspects connected to planning and facilitating the murder.
Karann Pathak was identified as the principal shooter in the case. Police sources indicated the murder involved inter-district criminal connections and the use of illegal firearms. The investigation continues even after Pathak's death in the encounter.
