MOHALI, India, Dec 15 — A kabaddi player was critically injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire during a live match in Mohali on Monday evening, triggering panic among players and spectators, police said.
The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. at a ground in Sector 82, where a kabaddi tournament was underway. The injured player, Rana Balachauria, was also one of the organisers of the event.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the match was in progress when a group of men arrived at the venue in a Bolero vehicle and began firing as the teams were entering the field.
“At first, many people thought the sound was from firecrackers,” an eyewitness said. “But when players started running for cover, it became clear that shots had been fired.”
Balachauria sustained gunshot injuries to the head and face and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical.
The gunshots were also captured on the live recording of the match, police said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police H.S. Bal was the chief guest at the event and had left the venue shortly before the firing took place, officials said.
Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh, who was scheduled to attend the tournament, reportedly turned back after being informed about the shooting.
The attackers fled immediately after the incident. Police teams reached the spot soon after and launched a search operation. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway to establish the motive behind the attack, officials said.
