Basketball player's father files police complaint against officials, doctors

Residents of Lakhan Majra here today removed a broken basketball pole and another pole in poor condition from the Yuva Sports Club court in the village. Six days ago, national player Hardik Rathee (16) of the village had died when a basketball pole collapsed on him during practice.

Meanwhile, Suresh Kumar, father of another young player, Aman (15)—who died in a similar accident while practicing at Brigadier Hoshiar Singh Stadium in Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar)—filed a police complaint demanding the registration of an FIR against officials responsible for the tragedy.

He also accused the doctors on duty at the Trauma Centre, PGIMS Rohtak, of failing to provide timely treatment to his son and demanded action against them. No case had been registered till the filing of this report.

“My son’s condition worsened at the Trauma Centre as the doctors did not provide timely treatment. They were negligent, and necessary investigations were delayed. Aman passed away the next day,” he said.

A similar incident had occurred in 2022, when a boy was injured after a basketball pole collapsed on him, he said, adding that, "Despite that, no inquiry was conducted, the pole was never checked or repaired, and no steps were taken to ensure the safety of the players."

“No one from the district authorities came to remove the pole. Therefore, the villagers decided to remove it themselves. Another pole, which was also in a poor condition, was also removed,” said basketball coach Mohit Rathee.