Haryana shocker: National para-athlete beaten to death after opposing obscene behaviour at wedding

Haryana: A horrifying incident has been reported from Rohtak, where a national-level para-athlete was brutally assaulted and killed after he objected to obscene behaviour during a wedding ceremony. The deceased, Rohit Dhankar (28), was a celebrated para powerlifter who had represented India internationally and held multiple national titles.

According to police, the attack took place after Dhankar confronted a group of men behaving inappropriately at a wedding in Rewari Khera on the evening of November 27. Dhankar, along with his friend Jatin, had attended the ceremony at the residence of a relative.

During the event, some members from the groom’s side allegedly used abusive language and misbehaved, prompting Rohit to raise objections. A brief argument ensued, but the matter was settled after intervention by family members.

However, the dispute did not end there. When Dhankar and Jatin left the venue about an hour later and were returning to Rohtak, their car was hit from behind. A group of 15 to 20 men then surrounded their vehicle.

The attackers allegedly used iron rods and hockey sticks to smash the windows and drag Dhankar out. While Jatin managed to escape, Rohit was assaulted mercilessly and left with severe injuries.

Dhankar was initially rushed to Bhiwani General Hospital and later shifted to Pandit B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak as his condition deteriorated. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries two days later. His body reportedly bore 30 to 35 injury marks, indicating the brutality of the assault.

Narrating the ordeal, Jatin said, “At the wedding, we only asked them to stop using abusive language. The issue seemed resolved, but while returning, the same men followed us. They stopped our car and attacked us. I somehow escaped, but they dragged Rohit out and hit him repeatedly with rods and sticks.”

Police have so far arrested six individuals in connection with the case and seized one of the vehicles used in the attack. Investigating officer Devender Kumar said the assault was a revenge act after the accused, who were allegedly drunk, felt insulted when Rohit opposed their misbehaviour.

Rohit Dhankar was a two-time junior para-national record holder and a seven-time senior para-national champion. He was honoured earlier by former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and worked as a gym trainer. Shocked family members have demanded strict action against all attackers, saying, “We want justice for Rohit.”

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