Friends brutally beat up para-athlete after argument

A 40-year-old para-athlete, who had formerly represented India internationally in power lifting, was allegedly beaten up by a group of men during the early hours. The accused have been absconding since the day of the incident, police said.

The victim was identified as Anil Sharma, a power-lifter and a resident of Connaught Place, where he runs a road side eatery outside a temple. The incident took place when Sharma, along with his friends Chander Mohan, Mohit, Ashu and an unidentified man, were heading to Chuna Mandi area from Paharganj in the victim's car on Saturday.

According to the police, as told by the victim, they were all drinking at a bar in Paharhanj after which they drove towards Chuna Mandi.

"While driving, Sharma received a call and said that he suddenly has to leave to meet one of his friends and that he would be back in some time. This led to an argument between all of them and all the four accused allegedly abused and started thrashing Sharma with stones," said a police officer.

The men then vandalised Sharma's car and threw stones at it, leaving its windows damaged. As locals started gathering on the spot, hearing the cries of the victim, the four men fled from the spot leaving Sharma injured. Locals and witnesses then called up the police and the victim was rushed to a hospital.

A senior police officer said that the para-athlete is out of danger.

"The reason is yet not known because the victim is unfit for statement and his family doesn't know," the officer said.