Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Kabaddi's Dark Side: Violence and Crime
Kabaddi, a popular sport in Punjab, has become a big business with lots of money involved.
Recently, a famous kabaddi promoter named Rana Balachauria was killed during a tournament.
This killing is part of a bigger problem where gangs and criminals are involved in the sport.
They bet on matches, fix games, and even use kabaddi to launder money.
The sport has also become a way for young people to migrate abroad, often not returning.
Experts say that without proper rules and oversight, the sport could face serious problems.
Kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria was shot dead during a tournament in Punjab.
The sport has transformed into a Rs 100-crore industry with significant betting and criminal involvement.
Gangs like the Bambiha group and Lawrence Bishnoi network are linked to the violence in the kabaddi circuit.
Pro Kabaddi League auctions and international tournaments involve large sums of money.
Kabaddi has become a migration pipeline for Punjabi youths, with many traveling abroad on sports visas.
- Who
- Kanwar Digvijay Singh (Rana Balachauria), a kabaddi promoter, was killed.
- What
- The killing is linked to the rising stakes and criminal activities in the kabaddi industry.
- When
- The incident occurred on December 15, 2025.
- Where
- The killing took place at a tournament in Mohali’s Sohana, Punjab.
- Why
- The motive involves turf wars, betting, and control over the kabaddi circuit.
- Victim
- Kanwar Digvijay Singh (Rana Balachauria)
- Date of Killing
- December 15
- Location
- Mohali’s Sohana, Punjab
- Industry Value
- Rs 100-crore
- Pro Kabaddi League Auction
- Rs 38 crore spent in June 2025
- Highest Player Bid
- Rs 2.23 crore for Mohammadreza Shadloui
- YouTube Subscribers
- Kabaddi365 has 2.3 million subscribers
- Migration via Kabaddi
- Over 1,000 individuals traveled abroad on sports visas in 2011