SAA event in Punjab, Kharar in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District area, India on Sat 17th January 2026

On January 17, Shooter Karan Pathak alias Karan Defaulter, a key accused in the murder of kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria, was killed in a Police encounter near Kharar in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar) District of Punjab, reports The Tribune. Pathak, 23, a resident of Amritsar with links to Uttar Pradesh (UP), was the main shooter in Balachauria’s killing during a tournament at Sector 79, Sohana, on December 15, 2025, reportedly orchestrated by foreign-based handlers. Police said Pathak escaped from the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) custody while being taken to hospital after complaining of chest pain. He was traced after six to seven hours near Rurki Kham village, where he opened fire on Police personnel. Police retaliated, injuring him in the leg. One Policeman, Satinder Singh, was injured. Two FIRs were registered.