Crime – Third Suspect in Mohali Kabaddi Promoter Murder Arrested After Months
Crime – A major development has emerged in the investigation into the killing of a Kabaddi promoter in Punjab’s Mohali district, with police confirming the arrest of a third suspect after an extended search lasting several months. The accused, identified as Aditya Kapoor, also known by the alias Makkhan, was taken into custody in Agartala, Tripura, bringing fresh momentum to the case.
Arrest After Four-Month Search
Authorities stated that Kapoor had been evading law enforcement since the murder took place on December 15, 2025, in the Sohana police station area. The victim, Rana Banna, was fatally attacked during a Kabaddi tournament, an incident that drew widespread attention due to its brazen nature. Investigators linked the crime to the Roni Bal gang, which is suspected of orchestrating the killing.
Two of the main suspects had already been identified earlier, with one apprehended in Kolkata. Kapoor remained on the run for nearly four months, prompting police to intensify their search using both intelligence inputs and technical surveillance methods.
Intelligence-Led Operation in Tripura
According to officials, a breakthrough came when investigators traced Kapoor’s movements to Agartala. Acting on this information, a specialized police team was formed under the guidance of senior officers. The operation was conducted under the direction of Additional Director General of Police Pramod Ban, with DSP (Operations) Rajendra Singh overseeing field coordination.
The team carried out a targeted operation in Agartala, successfully locating and arresting Kapoor. Following his detention, he was presented before a local court, where authorities secured a transit remand to bring him back to Punjab for further legal proceedings.
Next Steps in Legal Process
Police confirmed that Kapoor will soon be produced before a Mohali court, where further investigation and judicial processes will continue. Officials believe his interrogation could provide crucial insights into the planning and execution of the crime, as well as the broader network involved.
Wider Crackdown on Offenders
The arrest comes amid a broader effort by Mohali Police to strengthen law enforcement across the district. Over an 11-month special campaign running from June 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, authorities have worked to track down individuals declared as proclaimed offenders.
This initiative, led by Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans and supervised by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajitpal Singh, focused on coordinated action across all police stations in the SAS Nagar district. Dedicated teams were deployed to locate offenders who had been avoiding legal proceedings.
Significant Results from Campaign
Officials reported that 255 cases were resolved during the campaign period. Among these, 25 individuals had been formally declared proclaimed offenders under provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which now align with corresponding sections in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The campaign aimed not only to apprehend suspects but also to ensure that cases involving absconding individuals were brought to a legal conclusion, either through arrest or due procedural closure.
Ongoing Efforts to Maintain Law and Order
Police authorities emphasized that such operations reflect their continued commitment to maintaining law and order in the region. The successful arrest of Kapoor is being seen as a key step in ensuring accountability in a case that had raised concerns about public safety during sporting events.
Investigators have indicated that further developments may follow as questioning of the accused progresses. The case remains under active investigation, with officials working to establish a complete picture of the events leading up to the murder.