In a brazen, targeted act executed around 10:45 PM on June 5, national-level kabaddi stalwart Sonu Nolta was fatally shot outside Cosmo Mall in Panchkula's Amravati Enclave. Law enforcement officials report a barrage of approximately 12–15 rounds, seven of which struck Nolta in the head, chest, back, and arm, resulting in instantaneous death. Nolta was rushed to Sector‑6 Civil Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. His cousin, Nitin “Prince” Panwar, sustained a thigh wound and is currently recuperating at PGIMER, Chandigarh {source, The Times of India}
Early investigations have revealed this was a meticulously planned, personal vendetta rather than a random crime. Leaked CCTV footage and onsite ballistic analysis confirm that two individuals, allegedly identified as childhood friend Piyush Piplani (also known as Pinjori) and an associate, disembarked from a waiting Maruti Swift before opening fire. Piplani later posted two confessionary videos on social media claiming responsibility and invoking gangster Anmol Bishnoi’s name—though authorities have dismissed any genuine gang tie-ups, citing Piplani’s reliance on his mother’s shoe shop and no credible criminal network connections {source, hindustantimes }
/*The Alarming Context
Personal Vendetta & Betrayal*/: CCTV and eyewitness evidence suggest the attackers were familiar to Nolta. Police suspect the primary accused, Piyush Piplani (also known as Pinjori), a former friend and business partner of Nolta in sand mining, orchestrated the ambush following a land dispute. Remarkably, the duo were seen socializing just two days before the murder {source, hindustantimes}
Gang Claims: Minutes after the shooting, Piplani released a social media video claiming responsibility and named Anmol Bishnoi—brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi—as conspirator. Authorities are vetting these claims, yet no confirmed ties to organized crime have emerged.
/*Current Investigative Status:*/
Police have registered FIRs under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Indian Arms Act.
Sonu’s Scorpio and the suspect’s Swift have been seized, with forensic teams gathering shell casings, bullet fragments, and traceive mobile metadata {source, abp live}
Despite compelling evidence and suspect confessions, no arrests have yet been made.
A multi-jurisdictional manhunt has been launched, with authorities promising arrests within the week. Investigators are concurrently pursuing multiple angles, including a possible romantic entanglement and land dispute, with police currently interrogating three women who were with the victim that evening. Another line of inquiry suggests a falling-out over recent mining land investments. Despite the suspect's video boasts linking the crime to the Bishnoi crime clan, authorities assert no gang involvement after IP tracing and lifestyle checks showed no real criminal associations.
/*Impact & Community Response:*/
The murder of a high-profile sports figure in a crowded mall parking area has sparked widespread public outrage. Leaders from the kabaddi community, sports associations, and civic groups are demanding enhanced security measures around public venues. Senior officials have pledged a transparent investigation and swift justice, aiming to quell public anxiety.
/*What Happens Next:*/
Law enforcement is expanding their probe through—
Forensic ballistics analysis and ballistic trajectory reconstruction.
Digital forensics including video IP tracking and mobile data extraction.
Witness interviews, notably with those present in the car.
Examination of possible land records, financial exchanges, and interpersonal communications between suspects and victim.
Meanwhile, Sonu Nolta’s family mourns the unexpected and violent disruption of a life celebrated both on the kabaddi mat and in the community. With the investigation gaining urgency, the public watches closely as law enforcement moves to bring those responsible to justice.
/*Reporting based on statements from Panchkula Police and detailed accounts in Times of India, Hindustan Times, Financial Express, and Devdiscourse.*/