Powerlifting champion Rohit Dhankar, a 26-year-old international medallist from Rohtak, was brutally beaten to death after he stopped a group of men from passing vulgar and indecent remarks at girls during a wedding ceremony in Bhiwani’s Rewari Kheda village.
According to eyewitness accounts, Rohit had arrived with a friend to attend the wedding when he noticed several baraatis misbehaving with girls present at the venue. When he objected to their behaviour and asked them to stop, an argument broke out. Moments later, a group of youths surrounded Rohit and violently assaulted him with sticks and rods, leaving him seriously injured.
As his friend attempted to rush him to a private hospital, the attackers followed their vehicle, intercepted it on the road, and launched a second brutal attack, after which Rohit collapsed and became unconscious.
He was referred to PGIMS Rohtak, where doctors tried to save him for two days, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Police have started questioning members of the baraat and are working to identify all the attackers. The incident has sparked widespread anger across Haryana, with citizens demanding the strictest possible punishment for those responsible for Rohit’s death.