National gold-medallist wrestler held for murder in Rohtak

The Rohtak Police have arrested a national gold medallist wrestler, who later turned gangster, on charges of murdering a man last year in the district.

The accused, identified as Rakesh Mokhriya of Mokhra village, carried a reward of Rs 25,000 on information leading to his arrest.

The police said Rakesh was the prime accused in the murder of Assan village resident Balbir Singh in June last year following a dispute over contract of liquor vend. The police had arrested another accused in the murder case two days ago and got clues about Rakesh, leading to his arrest.

Rohtak superintendent of police (SP) Jashandeep Singh Randhawa said they received a tip off about Rakesh following which the anti-vehicle theft (AVT) staff held him near Jhajjar bypass on Monday night. A 30 bore pistol was seized from him.

During interrogation, he revealed that after committing the murder last year, he had been hiding in Rajasthan and was waiting for the release of his gang leader Rohtash Kumar from jail to once again start criminal activities.

The police said Rakesh used to represent Haryana in national wrestling tournaments and had won a gold medal in a national championship in 2003. He also won a bronze medal at the national games held in Talkatora Stadium in Delhi in the same year.

However, in 2005, he entered the world of crime by murdering a Jhajjar resident over a rivalry. He spent six years in jail for that murder, but continued committing crimes after coming out of jail, the police said.