In a dramatic turn in the investigation into the killing of a young kabaddi player in Mohali, a key suspect was shot dead during a police encounter on Wednesday, officials said. The development came barely days after the murder of 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria, which had sent shockwaves across the sports and local business communities in Punjab.
The deceased suspect has been identified as Harpinder Singh, alias Middu, a resident of Naushehra Pannuan village in Tarn Taran district. According to the police, Harpinder was injured during an exchange of fire while attempting to flee during a chase. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Senior police officials said the encounter took place when a police team attempted to apprehend Harpinder based on specific intelligence inputs related to the Mohali murder case. During the operation, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the police party, prompting retaliatory action. Two police personnel were also injured in the exchange and were provided immediate medical treatment. Their condition was stated to be stable.
Earlier in the day, the police had described Harpinder’s apprehension as a “major breakthrough” in the high-profile murder case. In an official statement shared on social media, the Mohali police confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody after an exchange of fire and was undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the operation. Hours later, officials confirmed his death at the hospital.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Harpinder alias Middu had a serious criminal background and was allegedly involved in multiple heinous crimes. Police sources indicated that he was believed to be directly linked to the murder of Kanwar Digvijay Singh, though further details regarding the motive and involvement of other suspects are still under investigation.
Kanwar Digvijay Singh was shot on Monday evening shortly after he arrived in Mohali along with his team to participate in a private kabaddi tournament. According to the police, unidentified assailants targeted him and opened fire using a .30 bore weapon. Singh sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, where doctors declared him dead despite emergency medical intervention.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary police findings suggest that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the firing, escaping on a motorcycle. The brazenness of the attack, carried out in a public setting linked to a sporting event, raised serious concerns about law and order and the growing nexus between crime and sports-related promotions in parts of the state.
The killing of Singh, who was known both as a kabaddi player and a promoter, triggered strong reactions from sports bodies, local residents, and political leaders, with demands for swift justice and a crackdown on organized crime. The police had launched an intensive manhunt following the incident, forming multiple teams to track down those involved.
With the death of Harpinder Singh in the encounter, investigators believe they have eliminated a crucial link in the case. However, officials emphasized that the investigation is far from over. Efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have played a role in planning or executing the murder.
Police authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability and maintaining public safety, stating that no individual involved in violent crime would be spared. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more facts come to light.
