Haryana: National-Level Bodybuilder Rohit Dhankar Killed After Confronting Harassment At Wedding

A national-level para-athlete from Rohtak district in Haryana, Rohit Dhankar, tragically succumbed to his injuries two days after being brutally attacked by a group of men who beat him with iron rods and hockey sticks. The assault occurred after Dhankar confronted them over their alleged indecent behaviour at a wedding.

Rohit Dhankar, aged 26, passed away on Saturday at the Pandit BD Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. According to an NDTV report, the incident took place on the evening of November 27, when Dhankar and his friend, Jatin, attended a wedding at a relative’s home in Rewari Khera.

During the wedding, Dhankar raised objections after some guests from the groom’s side displayed unruly conduct. Later at the venue, they had an argument with some of the guests from the groom's side after Dhankar objected to their unruly behaviour.

His family claimed that Dhankar was brutally thrashed near a railway crossing in Bhiwani for objecting to harassment of women at a wedding, PTI reported.

However, after the ceremony, as Dhankar and Jatin were heading back to Rohtak, their vehicle was struck from behind. They were then surrounded by around 15 to 20 men, who launched a violent attack on Dhankar with iron rods and hockey sticks, leaving him severely injured.

Jatin managed to escape the assault. The professional powerlifter was initially admitted to Bhiwani General Hospital, but his condition worsened, and he was later transferred to Rohtak, where he eventually died from his injuries.

Jatin recounted the terrifying events, saying, "Rohit and I had gone to my relative’s wedding. These men were using abusive language, so we objected to it. The issue seemed to be resolved after my brother-in-law intervened. However, when we left about an hour later, those same men stopped our vehicle. I told them we should talk the following day, but they managed to open the passenger window, where Rohit was sitting. They then struck the window on my side with a rod. I drove off, but they began following us."

Jatin continued, "We had to stop at a railway crossing, where they surrounded our car. One of their vehicles was blocking us in front, and three others were behind. They grabbed hold of Rohit while I managed to escape."

So far, the police have detained six individuals in connection with the assault and have confiscated one of the vehicles used in the attack.

ALSO READ: E-Passports Launched In India: What Are Digital Passports? Check Eligibility And How To Apply 

Investigating officer Devendra Kumar explained, "Rohit and Jatin had objected to the behaviour of some drunk men. Later, when they were heading home around 11.30 pm, they were attacked by a group of men."

Rohit Dhankar was a two-time junior para-national record holder and a seven-time senior para-national champion. He had also represented India in international para powerlifting competitions. Additionally, he worked as a gym trainer.

Rohtak, Haryana: Rohit's uncle says, "Rohit was my nephew. He had been a six-time national medalist, and even Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar honored him in 2016. He had also competed internationally. Later, he ran his own gym, trained children, and put in a lot of hard work… pic.twitter.com/7WI0dhpnqZ

— IANS (@ians_india) November 29, 2025

Rohit's uncle stated that he had been honoured by the former Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar. "There were around 30 to 35 bruises on his body. We demand justice," he added.