Key Accused in Kabaddi Promoter Murder Killed in Police Encounter in Mohali

Karan Pathak, alias Karan Defaulter, a 23-year-old key accused in the December 15 murder of kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria, was killed in a police encounter near Kharar, Mohali. After escaping custody late Friday while being taken for medical treatment, Pathak remained at large for six to seven hours before police located him in Mullanpur. He fired multiple rounds at officers, injuring one, and was fatally shot in retaliation. Police are investigating how he obtained a weapon during his escape. The killing was linked to gang rivalries orchestrated by foreign-based criminals.