Punjab Police have achieved a significant breakthrough in the murder case of Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria, while harpinder Singh alias Middu, identified as the main conspirator and logistic provider in the assassination, was killed in a police encounter near Lalru in Mohali. The incident occurred on Wednesday on the Ambala-Chandigarh National Highway when police cornered him. According to police reports, Middu opened fire with a Zigana pistol when confronted, injuring two police officers. In retaliatory firing by the police, Middu sustained bullet injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds during treatment.
Details of the Encounter
On Wednesday, the Mohali police surrounded Harpinder Singh alias Middu in a secluded area near Lalru, on the Ambala-Chandigarh National Highway, while the police had received intelligence that the prime accused in the Rana Balachauria murder case was hiding there. Despite being asked to surrender, Harpinder chose to resist, opening fire on the police personnel with a Zigana pistol, while this sudden act of aggression resulted in injuries to two police officers, who received immediate medical attention. The police responded with controlled retaliatory fire, hitting Harpinder. Critically wounded, he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he couldn't be saved. This encounter marks a crucial development in the ongoing investigation into Rana Balachauria's murder.
Harpinder Singh alias Middu's Role and Affiliations
Harpinder Singh alias Middu, a resident of Tarn Taran, was associated with the Ghanshyampuria gang. The Ghanshyampuria gang is an associate of the Bambiha gang, which had claimed responsibility for Rana Balachauria's murder. Mohali SSP Harmanpreet Hans stated that Harpinder alias Middu was the primary handler and provided all the logistical support for the entire conspiracy behind Rana Balachauria's killing. He was a critical link in planning and executing the murder. His death is considered a significant blow to the criminal network involved and. Is expected to aid the police in uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy.
Arrest and Identification of the Shooters
Images of the two shooters who carried out Rana Balachauria's murder have also been released by the police. SSP Harmanpreet Singh Hans identified the assailants as Aditya Kapoor and Karan Pathak, both residents of Amritsar. In a successful operation, the police managed to apprehend both these shooters. Their arrest is a vital step in unraveling the mystery of the murder, as they were directly involved in the act. Police are currently interrogating them to uncover all aspects of the conspiracy and gather further evidence.
Conflicting Motives: Police vs.
The Bambiha gang and its associate gangs had claimed responsibility for Rana Balachauria's murder. In a social media post, they alleged that Rana Balachauria had arranged accommodation for the killers of Sidhu Moosewala. The post specifically mentioned Doni Bal, Shagun Preet, Randhawa, Amar Khwa, Prabh Dasuwal, and Kaushal Chaudhary taking responsibility for the killing. However, the police have vehemently denied this claim. According to SSP Harmanpreet Hans, the incident was a conspiracy to establish dominance in the kabaddi world. The police also clarified that Rana Balachauria's name had never surfaced. In any criminal case previously, casting doubt on the Bambiha gang's assertions.
Total Accused and Current Status
Another accused in the murder case, Aishdeep, was arrested at Delhi Airport. Aishdeep had arrived from Moscow with the intention of orchestrating the murder and was apprehended at Delhi International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Muscat, while it was based on Aishdeep's interrogation and information that the police received a crucial lead about Harpinder Singh alias Middu, who was subsequently killed in the encounter. Another significant accused in this case is Jugraj Singh, a resident of Amritsar rural area, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Jugraj Singh is an active member of the Doni Bal gang. And is currently at large, with police actively pursuing his arrest.
According to the police, a total of five accused individuals were involved in this murder case. Among them, two shooters, Aditya Kapoor and Karan Pathak, have been arrested. Aishdeep was also apprehended at Delhi Airport. The main conspirator and logistics handler, Harpinder Singh alias Middu, was killed in a police encounter, while meanwhile, Jugraj Singh, the alleged mastermind of the entire conspiracy, remains at large, and police are making continuous efforts to apprehend him. The Doni Bal gang is known to be a rival gang of Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs, and Rana Balachauria was reportedly close to Lawrence and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. This case highlights the growing criminal activities and gang rivalries within the kabaddi circuit, which the police are investigating thoroughly.
