Para-athlete beaten to death for resisting harassment of women at wedding

By Sumesh Rajan | December 5, 2025

Rohtak, Haryana, INDIA: In a horrific incident that has sparked outrage across Haryana, a 26-year-old national-level para-athlete and bodybuilder was brutally beaten to death after he confronted a group of men allegedly harassing women during a wedding in Bhiwani district.

The victim, Rohit Dhankhar, a resident of Humayunpur village in Rohtak, was a decorated powerlifter who had represented India on multiple occasions. Despite a disability in his right leg, he trained aspiring athletes at the Rohtak Gymkhana Club and had won several national and international medals. In 2018, he clinched gold at the National Powerlifting Championship in Delhi—organised by the Para Olympic Committee of India—and secured two international gold medals the same year. He was also felicitated by then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during the Independence Day ceremony.

Altercation at Wedding Turns Fatal

According to family members and police, Rohit had travelled to Bhiwani on Friday November 28 night with his friend, Jatin, to offer shagun at a relative’s wedding in Rewari Khera. Trouble began when a baraat from Tigadana village arrived late at the venue and some men from the group allegedly began harassing women and using abusive language.

Rohit objected to their behaviour, leading to a brief confrontation. Though the accused initially backed off, the matter escalated once the event ended.

Mob Ambush at Railway Crossing

As Rohit and Jatin were driving back, they were forced to stop at a railway crossing where the gate was closed. Taking advantage of the halt, nearly 20 armed men—allegedly the same group from the wedding—surrounded their vehicle. They attacked the duo with sticks, rods, hockey sticks and other weapons.

Jatin managed to flee in panic, but Rohit was cornered and brutally assaulted. “There wasn't a single part of his body without injury marks,” a family member said, describing the extent of violence.

Jatin later returned with help and rushed Rohit to Bhiwani General Hospital. He was referred to PGIMS Rohtak in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries early Saturday.

Police Launch Probe; Six Detained

Bhiwani Sadar SHO Vikas said that a case of murder has been registered. Police have detained six suspects, seized one vehicle used in the attack, and identified four accused named in the FIR. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining assailants, as over a dozen men are believed to have been involved.

‘He Stood Up for Women, Paid With His Life’

Rohit, the sole breadwinner of his family, is survived by his mother and sister. His uncle and brother-in-law alleged that the attack was premeditated.

“This was a planned murder. He stood up for the dignity of women and paid with his life,” said his brother-in-law, Ravi Khassa.

Rohit was a two-time junior para national record holder and a seven-time senior para national champion. His death has left the sports community in shock, with his family demanding the harshest punishment for all those involved.