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National Champion Wrestler Fights for Justice in Hunger Strike
26 Aug
Summary
- Rakhi, a national champion wrestler and judo player, began a hunger strike on Aug 22
- Alleges abandonment and harassment by husband and in-laws after marriage
- Protest draws attention of state women's commission

As of 2025-08-27T00:18:46+00:00, Rakhi, a national champion wrestler and judo player, has been staging a hunger strike for the past 5 days outside the district collectorate in Ghaziabad. Rakhi's protest was sparked by allegations of abandonment and harassment by her husband, Bhuvnesh Kumar, and her in-laws, shortly after her marriage last year.
Despite her impressive athletic achievements, including over a dozen medals at state and national levels, Rakhi claims her life took a sudden turn for the worse after her wedding. She alleges that her in-laws' attitude changed abruptly, with her jewelry being confiscated and her being barred from entering the family home. The situation escalated further when her husband filed for divorce and allegedly pressured her to accept a monetary settlement in exchange for separation.
Rakhi has made it clear that her hunger strike is not just for her own fight, but for "every daughter who is thrown out of her house after marriage and left to wander for justice." Her stand has resonated with many, including her parents and several social activists who have joined her at the protest site to lend their support.
The demonstration has also prompted swift intervention from the authorities. On Tuesday, Himani Agarwal, a member of the state women's commission, visited Rakhi and assured her that she will receive every possible help. Agarwal stated that both sides will be made to sit together for talks, and the police have been instructed to take immediate action. However, Rakhi has warned that her hunger strike will intensify if her demands are not addressed soon, and she is even willing to give up water as well.