Notorious shooter Karan Pathak, alias Karan Defaulter, was killed in a police encounter on Saturday morning near Kharar in Mohali district.The 23-year-old, a resident of Amritsar with links to Uttar Pradesh, was a key accused and the main shooter in the high-profile murder of kabaddi promoter and player Rana Balachauria (Kanwar Digvijay Singh).Balachauria was shot dead on December 15 during a tournament in Sector 79, Sohana, amid escalating gang rivalries reportedly orchestrated by foreign-based handlers.Karan Defaulter, who was previously arrested in Kolkata along with accomplices during a multi-state manhunt, allegedly attempted to escape custody and fired at police, according to sources.A Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed that a police team engaged him in an exchange of fire early today, resulting in his death.Further details are awaited.