The 22-year-old state gold medallist from Uttar Pradesh, who was aiming for a Pro Kabaddi League debut, succumbed to rabies after ignoring a minor dog bite and missing timely vaccination.
Farana (Uttar Pradesh), July 3, 2025 — In a deeply tragic incident, Brijesh Solanki, a 22-year-old state-level Kabaddi gold medallist and Pro Kabaddi League aspirant, died of rabies on Saturday, weeks after rescuing a stray puppy from a drain that bit him.
According to reports, Brijesh did not seek anti-rabies vaccination post the incident, mistaking the bite as inconsequential. His symptoms, including hydrophobia and numbness, began appearing only days before his death.
A video showing Brijesh in a deteriorated state went viral on social media the day after his passing, prompting health officials to launch an emergency vaccination and awareness campaign in his village.
Tragic loss💔 Kabaddi player bitten by puppy he was rescuing, dies of rabies.
— Neha Gurung (@nehaGurung1692) July 2, 2025
🚨 Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh: State-Level Kabaddi player dies after allegedly being bitten by a stray dog.
Deceased Kabaddi Player Brijesh Solanki's elder brother, Sandeep says, "He went to practice… pic.twitter.com/rc3I57Sl4o
Ignored the Warning Signs
Brijesh, the youngest of three siblings, lived in Farana village, where he trained regularly for Kabaddi. On the day of the incident, he had rescued a stray puppy from a drain and suffered what seemed like a minor bite.
His coach, Praveen Kumar, told the Times of India that Brijesh confused the pain in his arm with a routine Kabaddi injury, ignoring the need for a vaccine.
Symptoms like numbness and fear of water surfaced on June 26 during practice. He was initially taken to a district hospital, then transferred to a private hospital in Noida, where doctors confirmed rabies.
Family’s Plea for Support
Brijesh’s brother, Sandeep Kumar, said that despite rushing him to several government hospitals in Khurja, Aligarh, and even Delhi, they were denied effective treatment.
“He was afraid of water… He showed classic rabies symptoms. Only in Noida did doctors suspect it. He died while we were taking him to a faith healer in Mathura,” Sandeep said.
Sandeep has requested the government for support, stating Brijesh was the sole breadwinner of the family.
Post-Death Action and Awareness Drive
Following Brijesh’s death, health officials vaccinated 29 villagers and launched a rabies awareness campaign to prevent further tragedies.
This incident has raised urgent concerns about lack of awareness, access to vaccination, and public health infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Understanding Rabies: A Fatal Yet Preventable Disease
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The disease spreads primarily through the saliva of infected animals, particularly dogs.
🩺 Key Facts:
- Incubation: 1 week to 1 year; usually 2–3 months.
- Forms:
- Furious Rabies: Hyperactivity, hydrophobia, hallucinations.
- Paralytic Rabies: Gradual paralysis, misdiagnosed often.
- Prevention:
- Dog vaccination is the most cost-effective method.
- Public awareness and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are critical.
- Human vaccines are safe and effective when administered promptly.
Lessons from Brijesh’s Case
This heartbreaking case serves as a public health wake-up call: even a minor dog bite should never be ignored. Timely administration of rabies vaccines can save lives, and educating athletes, children, and rural communities is vital.
Tags:
Brijesh Solanki, Kabaddi Player Death, Rabies India, Dog Bite, Rabies Vaccine, Sports News, Uttar Pradesh, Pro Kabaddi League, Health Awareness, Rural Healthcare, Zoonotic Diseases, Rabies Prevention, Public Health India