Karan Defaulter, key accused in Kabaddi promoter Balachauria killing, shot in police encounter near Kharar

Notorious shooter Karan Pathak--alias Karan Defaulter--was killed in a police encounter on Saturday morning near Kharar in Mohali district.

The 23-year-old, a resident of Amritsar with links to Uttar Pradesh, was a key accused and the main shooter in the high-profile murder of kabaddi promoter and player Rana Balachauria (Kanwar Digvijay Singh).

Balachauria was shot dead on December 15 during a tournament in Sector 79, Sohana, amid escalating gang rivalries reportedly orchestrated by foreign-based handlers.

Karan, is also linked to the killing of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria’s mother.

Police said Pathak complained of chest pain last night and was taken to a hospital, during which he managed to flee. Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans confirmed that Pathak was in CIA custody at the time. Three officers were accompanying him, and he was handcuffed. The police vehicle reportedly hit a divider due to fog and other factors, which allowed Pathak to escape.

After six to seven hours, police traced him near Rurki Kham village on Airport Road. During the encounter, Pathak reportedly opened fire at officers, discharging six to seven rounds from a pistol. The police returned fire with nine to 10 rounds. He sustained a leg injury but continued firing. Pathak was first taken to a private hospital and then referred to Phase-6 Civil Hospital, Mohali. SSP Hans noted that the handcuffs were missing when Pathak was neutralised and suggested that he may have acquired a 30-bore weapon during the time he was on the run.

Two FIRs have been registered in connection with the case--one for his escape and another after the encounter. One police officer, Satinder Singh, was also injured during the firing.