Wrestler Rakesh Shot Dead at Shivratri Fair in Kundal, Sonepat

In a shocking incident that has rocked Haryana's wrestling community, a 35-year-old wrestler and coach was shot dead on Wednesday evening during a traditional wrestling competition at a Mahashivratri fair in Kundal village, Kharkhoda area of Sonepat district. 

Rakesh, a resident of Sohati village who had been living with his family in Omaxe City, Rohtak, was attending the annual Maha Shivratri fair with his son Amrit and other wrestlers from his training center when the attack occurred. 

Attack Happened After Son's Wrestling Match

According to Chand Singh, the uncle of the deceased who filed the police complaint, the shooting happened as Rakesh, his son Amrit, and Chand Singh were walking to their vehicle after Amrit's wrestling match ended. 

Two men, identified as Manoj (also known as Kala) and his nephew Sahil, allegedly approached them with pistols and opened fire on Rakesh. Even as Rakesh tried to run away, the attackers chased him and continued shooting. Police reports suggest that 7-8 bullets were fired, with Rakesh sustaining gunshot wounds to his back, ear, and mouth. 

"When Rakesh's son tried to save his father, they threatened him saying, 'Your number will come later,'" a family member told reporters. 

Land Dispute Behind the Murder

The victim's family has claimed that the murder stems from a long-running property dispute. Chand Singh stated in his complaint that they had previous conflicts with Manoj, who is the son of his uncle Hawa Singh, over land issues. 

"They had attacked me last July as well, and a case was registered at Kharkhoda police station," Chand Singh mentioned in his statement to police.

Family members also allege that the increase in land values in the area—reportedly rising 4-5 times since the establishment of a Maruti plant nearby—has led to conflicts over property. They claim that "land mafia" elements in the village are attempting to forcibly take control of valuable plots and panchayati lands. 

Traditional Fair Turns to Tragedy 

The tragedy occurred during a centuries-old fair that takes place at Kundal village twice a year. According to local tradition, the 300-400 year old Shiv temple in the village houses a self-manifested Shivling. During Maha Shivratri, thousands of devotees visit for religious ceremonies and to enjoy the fair and wrestling competitions held on the grounds of the government school near the temple. 

When the shots were fired, panic spread through the large crowd attending the event, with people running in all directions to seek safety.  Following the incident, Mehant Suryanath of Sohati Dham rushed Rakesh to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Inspector Bir Singh, Station House Officer of Kharkhoda police station, confirmed that a case has been registered against Manoj, Sahil, and others under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. "We are investigating all aspects of the case and the post-mortem is being conducted at Civil Hospital in Sonepat," he added. Police have increased security in the area as tensions remain high following the murder.