National Para-Athlete Beaten to Death in Haryana After Standing Up Against Women’s Harassment: Family Demands Justice
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A 26-year-old national-level bodybuilder and para-athlete, Rohit Dhankhar, lost his life in a brutal attack in Haryana’s Bhiwani after he confronted a group of men accused of harassing women at a wedding. The assault-carried out by an armed mob of nearly 20 men-has sparked widespread outrage, raising questions about women’s safety, mob violence, and the growing threat faced by those who dare to intervene.
The local police have launched a full-scale investigation, while the bereaved family has demanded the strictest punishment, including the death penalty, for the attackers.
BACKGROUND: A Life of Discipline and Courage
Rohit Dhankhar, a resident of Humayunpur village in Rohtak, was not just a bodybuilder-he was an international para-athlete, a trainer, and the sole provider for his family.
His achievements include:
- Gold medal at the 2018 National Powerlifting Championship (Para Olympic Committee of India)
- Two international gold medals in para-weightlifting the same year
- Honoured by former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Independence Day 2018
- Gym trainer at Gymkhana Club, Rohtak
Raised by his mother after his father’s death in 2017, Rohit was known for his discipline, humility, and commitment to sports.
HOW THE INCIDENT UNFOLDED: A STEP-BY-STEP BREAKDOWN
1. The Wedding Ceremony-First Confrontation
Rohit had travelled with his friend Jatin to Bhiwani to attend a relative’s wedding. Late at night, a baraat from Tigdana village arrived, and some youths allegedly began misbehaving with women at the venue.
Rohit, known for his outspoken stance against misconduct, stepped in and warned the men. A brief argument occurred, but the men eventually dispersed.
2. The Road Ambush-Planned Retaliation
Hours later, while returning home, Rohit and Jatin stopped at a railway crossing due to a barrier closure. According to Jatin and family members:
- A group of 18–20 youths, including the earlier group, arrived armed with rods, sticks, and sharp weapons.
- They blocked Rohit’s vehicle, dragged both men out, and targeted Rohit in particular.
- Jatin managed to escape and ran for help, but Rohit was cornered.
Eyewitnesses described the assault as brutal and intentional.
“There was not a single part of his body without injuries,” said his uncle, Satish Dhankar.
3. Hospitalisation and Death
Jatin returned with locals and rushed Rohit to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of injuries, doctors referred him to PGIMS Rohtak, where he fought for his life through the night.
On Saturday morning, he succumbed to multiple internal injuries.
POLICE INVESTIGATION & CURRENT STATUS
- Bhiwani Police reached PGIMS Rohtak after receiving information.
- The post-mortem was conducted on the family’s complaint.
- Multiple police teams have been formed to identify and arrest the attackers.
- Some suspects have reportedly been identified, but no confirmed arrests have been announced yet.
A senior police official told India Today that an initial argument over selfies also contributed to the conflict, suggesting multiple triggers for the mob attack.
FAMILY’S OUTRAGE AND DEMANDS
Rohit’s family-already shaken by past hardships-has demanded swift and strict justice.
Ravi Khassa, his brother-in-law, said:
“The accused should be given the death penalty. Rohit stood up for women’s safety. He should not have died for doing the right thing.”
His uncle went further, saying the brutality warrants immediate police action or encounter.
Rohit leaves behind his mother and sister, for whom he was the sole breadwinner.
WHY THIS CASE MATTERS
This is not an isolated incident-it reflects deeper issues:
Harassment of women at public events
Escalation of violence against whistleblowers
Lack of timely intervention by authorities
Increasing intolerance towards anyone who speaks up
Rohit’s courage cost him his life, but it also spotlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to protect those who intervene in public misconduct.
WHAT’S NEXT?
- Police will submit a report once suspects are arrested.
- Rohit’s family plans to pursue the case aggressively until justice is delivered.
- Local sports communities and para-athlete organisations are preparing to appeal to the Haryana government for a fast-track trial.
India Prime Times Verdict
This tragic incident is a reminder that courage often comes at a cost in today’s society. Rohit Dhankhar stood up for what was right-protecting the dignity of women-and paid the ultimate price. Haryana authorities now face public pressure to ensure his sacrifice does not go in vain.
Justice for Rohit is not just a family’s demand-it is a public necessity.
