A second kabaddi player was murdered in less than a week in Punjab, adding to growing concern about the sport’s ties to crime and gangs. The recent victim, Gurwinder Singh, was shot dead in the Samrala area of Ludhiana district. The notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the killing.
The murder was allegedly carried out by Karan Madpur and Tej Chak. A social media post from an account using the name of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, stated that members Hari Boxer and Arzoo Bishnoi took responsibility for the crime.
"This is a warning for whoever sides with our enemies. Either mend your ways or be ready for the next bullet to pierce your chest."
"Either step back, or we know how to wipe you out."
Authorities and local sources say that Gurwinder Singh is the 10th kabaddi player to be murdered in Punjab since 2016. Over time, the sport has been associated with the shadowy nexus of drug trafficking, illegal money, and organized gangs.
Kabaddi’s huge following among expatriate communities in Canada, the UK, and Australia has brought significant amounts of unregulated money into the sport. This influx has reportedly helped players gain both financial power and powerful connections abroad.
According to sources, some funds linked to the drug trade have found their way into kabaddi tournaments, while players have increasingly formed ties with local politicians and criminals. Rivalries and disputes tied to these relationships have, in several cases, turned lethal.
This tragedy highlights the deepening corruption within Punjab’s kabaddi scene, showing how criminal networks exploit the sport’s rise in fame and money for power and influence.