A national-level para-athlete from Haryana’s Rohtak district died two days after he was brutally assaulted with iron rods and hockey sticks for objecting to alleged indecent behaviour at a wedding.
Rohit Dhankar, 28, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at Pandit BD Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.
The incident began on November 27, when Dhankar and his friend Jatin attended a wedding at a relative’s home in Rewari Khera. At the venue, they confronted a group of guests from the groom’s side after Dhankar objected to their abusive and unruly behaviour. The argument was briefly settled when family members intervened.
But the confrontation escalated later that night. As the two were returning to Rohtak, their car was hit from behind and surrounded by 15–20 men. The attackers dragged Dhankar out of the vehicle and beat him with iron rods and hockey sticks. Jatin managed to escape the assault and later recounted that the group had stalked them from the wedding venue, cornering their car at a railway crossing.
Dhankar was first admitted to Bhiwani General Hospital and later shifted to Rohtak after his condition worsened. Despite treatment, he died of extensive injuries.
Police have detained six suspects so far and seized one of the vehicles allegedly used in the attack. Investigating officer Devendra Kumar confirmed that Dhankar and Jatin had objected to the misbehaviour of “some drunk men,” which led to the fatal confrontation.
Dhankar was a decorated para powerlifter — a two-time junior para national record holder, a seven-time senior para national champion, and an international representative for India. He worked as a gym trainer and had previously been honoured by former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
His family has demanded strict action against all involved, with his uncle saying Dhankar’s body bore “30 to 35 bruise marks.”
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