Kharar: Karan Pathak, also known by the alias Karan Defaulter, a key figure in several high-profile criminal cases, was killed in an encounter with police early Saturday near Kharar in Punjab’s Mohali district. Officials said the 23-year-old was a prime accused in the murder of kabaddi promoter and player Rana Balachauria and was considered a dangerous operative with links extending beyond the state.
Balachauria, whose real name was Kanwar Digvijay Singh, was shot dead on December 15 during a kabaddi tournament in Sector 79, Sohana. Investigators had identified Pathak as the main shooter in the case, which police believe was connected to ongoing gang rivalries allegedly directed by handlers based abroad. He was also suspected to be involved in the killing of the mother of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.
According to Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans, Pathak was in the custody of the CIA unit when he complained of chest pain late Friday night. He was being taken to a hospital under police escort when he managed to escape. At the time, he was reportedly handcuffed and accompanied by three officers. Police said the escort vehicle struck a road divider amid poor visibility due to fog, creating an opportunity for the accused to flee.
A search operation was launched immediately, and Pathak was traced several hours later near Rurki Kham village along the Airport Road. Police said that when officers attempted to apprehend him, he opened fire, discharging multiple rounds. The police retaliated, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which Pathak sustained serious injuries.
Despite being shot in the leg, the accused continued firing, prompting police to intensify their response. He was initially rushed to a private medical facility and later referred to the Phase-6 Civil Hospital in Mohali, where he was declared dead. One police officer, identified as Satinder Singh, was injured during the encounter and is undergoing treatment.
SSP Hans said that when Pathak was neutralised, his handcuffs were missing, suggesting he may have removed them while on the run. Police also suspect that he procured a 30-bore pistol during the hours he remained absconding.
Two separate cases have been registered in connection with the incident—one related to Pathak’s escape from custody and another concerning the encounter. Senior officials said a detailed investigation is underway to reconstruct the sequence of events and examine all aspects of the operation.
