Main Accused in Kabaddi Promoter Murder Killed in Police Encounter
Police in Mohali shot dead Karan Pathak, the main shooter in the murder of kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauriya. The incident occurred after Pathak escaped from police custody and allegedly opened fire on officers.
Dramatic Escape from Custody
Pathak escaped late Friday night despite being handcuffed. Police had arrested him in Bengal on Monday and kept him at the Crime Investigation Agency staff headquarters in Mohali.
According to Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans, Pathak complained of chest pain on Friday night. A police team was transporting him to a hospital when the situation turned violent.
Pathak began scuffling with officers inside the vehicle. The struggle caused the police vehicle to crash into a road divider. When officers exited the damaged vehicle, Pathak managed to free himself and sprint away into the night.
Seven-Hour Manhunt Ends in Gunfight
Police launched an immediate search operation that lasted seven hours. They eventually traced Pathak to a location on Airport Road, close to his native village in Kharar.
Officers received specific information that Pathak was hiding near his native village in Mullanpur. A police team moved to the location and attempted to surround him.
When confronted, Pathak allegedly tried to escape and began firing at police officers. Police stated that the accused fired six to seven rounds during the confrontation.
One policeman suffered a bullet wound during the exchange of fire. In retaliatory firing, police bullets hit Pathak, fatally wounding him.
Background of the Case
Karan Pathak was the primary suspect in the murder of Rana Balachauriya, a well-known kabaddi player and promoter. The murder occurred approximately one month before this encounter.
Pathak had earned the nickname "Defaulter" in criminal circles. His escape and subsequent death mark a dramatic conclusion to the police investigation into Balachauriya's killing.
Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots during the encounter. Police have secured the area and are conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
