Gangsters, Extortion, and Kabaddi: Punjab's Dark Reality
The recent killing of Kabaddi promoter Rana Balachauria has shed light on a disturbing trend in Punjab. Gangsters are increasingly expanding their operations into legitimate fields such as sports and music, primarily for extortion purposes. This incident is not an isolated one; it is part of a broader pattern of violence and crime linked to gang rivalries and financial gain.
On December 15, during a Kabaddi Cup event in Mohali, Balachauria was shot dead in a daylight attack. The assailants approached him under the guise of taking a selfie, before opening fire at close range. Hours later, a rival gang claimed responsibility on social media, framing the murder as revenge linked to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. However, Punjab Police suggest that the motive goes beyond personal vendettas, pointing to a fierce competition for control over lucrative Kabaddi tournaments.
Police officials emphasize that the involvement of gangsters in Kabaddi is indicative of a larger issue. Kabaddi has become a quick route to easy money through avenues like advertising, betting, and match-fixing. As one senior officer from the Punjab Police noted, the criminal underworld's influence extends to the music industry as well, where gangsters attempt to secure legitimate revenue streams through contractual agreements with popular artists.
The reach of these gangsters is alarming, with their calls often untraceable due to the use of VPNs and encrypted communication apps. They recruit local youths in Punjab under the pretense of providing opportunities abroad, making them unwitting accomplices in their schemes. This manipulation has led to a dangerous trend where gangsters are seen as role models by vulnerable youths.
Moreover, the police struggle to connect the dots back to the gangsters based abroad, as they employ sophisticated methods such as 'cut out modules' and 'dead letter drops' to orchestrate their operations without direct contact. In the world of Kabaddi, promoters often find themselves under the thumb of these gangs, receiving directives on celebrity invitations and prize money, illustrating the pervasive grip of organized crime on sports.
Punjab Police assert that to combat this escalating menace, there is a pressing need for real-time information sharing and a coordinated effort with international law enforcement agencies. Only through joint action can the state hope to safeguard its citizens and dismantle the networks that exploit legitimate industries for illicit gains.
