Haryana Bodybuilder Dies After Confronting Harassers at Wedding
A national-level bodybuilder and para-athlete, Rohit Dhankhar, from Rohtak, Haryana, has died after being attacked for intervening when a group of men allegedly harassed women at a wedding in Bhiwani. The incident has sparked outrage, with family members claiming it was a premeditated murder.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, 26-year-old Rohit Dhankhar, a resident of Humayunpur village and a trainer at Gymkhana Club in Rohtak, attended a wedding in Bhiwani with his friend Jatin. Trouble began when men from the wedding procession allegedly started misbehaving with female guests. Dhankhar confronted them, leading to a verbal altercation. While the harassers initially retreated, the situation escalated later.
The Attack
After the wedding ceremony, as Dhankhar and Jatin were returning home, their vehicle was stopped at a railway crossing. A group of approximately 20 individuals, allegedly armed with sticks, rods, and other weapons, ambushed them.
- Jatin managed to escape the attack.
- Rohit Dhankhar was caught and severely beaten.
- Family members reported that he sustained injuries all over his body.
Jatin returned with help and rushed Dhankhar to a local hospital, from where he was referred to PGIMS, Rohtak, in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Dhankhar succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Investigation and Family's Plea
Bhiwani Police have launched an investigation into the incident following a complaint filed by Dhankhar's family. A post-mortem examination has been conducted. Rohit's brother-in-law and uncle are demanding the harshest possible punishment for the attackers, alleging that it was a planned murder motivated by his defense of women's dignity.
Rohit Dhankhar's Achievements
Rohit Dhankhar was a decorated athlete, despite suffering from a disability in his right leg. His accomplishments include:
- Gold medal at the National Powerlifting Championship in Delhi (2018), conducted by the Para Olympic Committee of India.
- Two international gold medals in 2018.
- He was honored by then-Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during the Independence Day ceremony in 2018.
