The world of Indian sports was left reeling after a brutal murder, and now, the case has taken a dramatic and violent turn. The main shooter in the kabaddi player murder case, Karan Pathak, alias ‘Defaulter,’ was killed in a police encounter in Mohali, bringing a sudden and controversial end to a manhunt that had gripped the region.
Table of Contents
- The Murder That Shook the Kabaddi World
- The Daring Escape and Manhunt
- The Final Encounter in Mohali
- Who Was Karan ‘Defaulter’?
- Broader Implications for Punjab Police
- Conclusion: A Violent End to a Tragic Saga
- Sources
The Murder That Shook the Kabaddi World
On December 15, 2025, the vibrant atmosphere of a local kabaddi match in Mohali was shattered by gunfire. Rana Balachauria, also known as Kanwar Digvijay Singh, a well-known figure in the sport both as a player and a promoter, was fatally shot . The brazen attack, carried out in broad daylight in front of a crowd, sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about law and order in the state. The victim’s dual role in the sport made him a prominent target, and his murder was seen as a direct assault on the integrity of the game itself .
The Daring Escape and Manhunt
Karan Pathak, identified as the main shooter in the kabaddi player murder, was swiftly arrested by the Punjab Police. However, the case took a shocking turn when Pathak managed to escape from police custody while being transported to a hospital for a medical check-up . This audacious breakout triggered a massive manhunt across the region, with authorities under immense pressure to recapture the dangerous fugitive before he could vanish or strike again. The escape not only embarrassed the police force but also heightened public anxiety.
The Final Encounter in Mohali
The intense search culminated just days later in another part of Mohali. According to police reports, the encounter began when officers, acting on a tip-off, located Pathak’s hideout. The police claim that Pathak opened fire on them first, forcing them to return fire in self-defense . The ensuing gunfight lasted for approximately 30 minutes and resulted in the death of Karan ‘Defaulter’ and injuries to two police officers . While the police have declared the case effectively closed with the elimination of the prime accused, the circumstances of the encounter are likely to be scrutinized closely.
Who Was Karan ‘Defaulter’?
Karan Pathak, who operated under the alias ‘Defaulter,’ was not a stranger to the criminal justice system. His nickname itself suggests a history of evading responsibilities, whether financial or legal. He was a key figure in the gang allegedly responsible for the targeted killing of Rana Balachauria. His role as the main shooter placed him at the heart of this high-profile crime, making him the primary target of the police investigation from the outset .
Broader Implications for Punjab Police
This incident puts the Punjab Police in a complex position. On one hand, they have successfully neutralized the main suspect in a highly publicized and brutal murder, which may be seen as a decisive victory for law enforcement. On the other hand, the fact that the accused escaped from their custody in the first place is a major operational failure that damages their credibility. Furthermore, police encounters in India, particularly in states like Punjab, are often met with public skepticism and calls for independent inquiries to rule out the possibility of a staged or “fake” encounter . The department will need to provide a transparent and detailed account of both the escape and the final confrontation to maintain public trust.
Conclusion: A Violent End to a Tragic Saga
The killing of Karan ‘Defaulter’ in a police encounter brings a violent and abrupt end to the immediate chapter of the kabaddi player murder case. While the main perpetrator is no longer a threat, the underlying issues that led to such a brazen act of violence in a public sporting event remain. The escape from custody highlights vulnerabilities in the system, and the nature of the encounter demands scrutiny. For the family of Rana Balachauria and the wider kabaddi community, the quest for justice is far from over; it now shifts towards ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation into all aspects of this tragic saga.
Sources
- Times of India: “Main shooter in kabaddi promoter murder killed in Mohali encounter”
- Web Search Result: “Kabaddi player Rana Balachuria murder- Punjab police”
- Web Search Result: “The end of ‘Defaulter’: How a calculated escape led to Mohali encounter”
- Web Search Result: “Mohali kabaddi player murder: Key accused killed in encounter”
- Times of India: “Kabaddi player’s murder: Accused shot in encounter”
- Web Search Result: “Supreme Court Ruling on Police Encounter in Punjab”