National-Level Bodybuilder Rohit Dhankar Murdered in Haryana for Defending Women’s Honor

Chandigarh/Rohtak: Tragedy struck in Haryana’s Bhiwani when Rohit Dhankar, a national-level bodybuilder and para-athlete, was brutally murdered for standing up against harassment of women at a wedding function. Around 20 armed assailants attacked him, leaving him fatally injured. Family members allege that this was a premeditated murder carried out because Rohit defended women’s dignity.

Incident Details
Rohit, 26, from Humayunpura village in Rohtak, had attended a wedding with his friend Jatin to give blessings (‘Shagun’). According to witnesses, a group from Tigadana village began misbehaving with women at the event late at night. Rohit confronted them, resulting in a minor altercation. Though the group initially left, the situation escalated later.

While returning home, Rohit and Jatin’s car was stopped at a railway crossing. Family members said nearly 20 attackers armed with rods and sticks surrounded them. Jatin managed to escape, but Rohit was caught and brutally beaten.

Medical Attention and Death
Rohit was first taken to a local hospital and then referred to PGIMS Rohtak due to severe injuries. Despite the doctors’ all-night efforts, Rohit succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. His family reported that his body bore marks of injuries all over.

Rohit’s Achievements
Rohit Dhankar was not only a professional bodybuilder but also a decorated para-athlete. Despite a disability in his right leg, he had won gold medals in the 2018 National Powerlifting Championship organized by the Para Olympic Committee of India in Delhi. He was also recognized by the then Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during the Independence Day ceremony that year for his exceptional achievements.

Family Demands Justice
Rohit’s relatives, including his brother-in-law Ravi Khasa and uncle Satish Dhankar, have demanded strict action against the attackers. They insist this was a planned murder, executed because Rohit stood up for women’s honor, ultimately sacrificing his life.

The Bhiwani Police have registered a case and conducted a postmortem based on the family’s complaint. Further investigation is ongoing.