The central government has intervened in the death case of 16-year-old Hardik Rathi, a national-level basketball player from Rohtak, Haryana. The central government conducted its own investigation into the entire matter, during which some shortcomings came to light. Following this, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has sought a report from the government regarding the works sanctioned under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for the stadium in Lakhan Majra village, Rohtak.
National-level basketball player Hardik Rathi died in a tragic accident on November 25 in Lakhan Majra village, Rohtak. A basketball pole fell on Rathi's chest during practice, causing him to die on the spot.
Here are two reasons why the central government became involved in this case:
1. MP Deepender Hooda complained to the Lok Sabha Secretariat
Deepender Hooda, the Lok Sabha MP from Rohtak, wrote a letter to the Lok Sabha Secretariat on December 5 regarding this matter. In this letter, he alleged breach of privilege and contempt of the House. The Congress MP claimed that the MPLADS works sanctioned for the reconstruction of the Lakhan Majra stadium had not been implemented, and this negligence led to the tragic death of the young player.
2. The government did not grant administrative approval
In another instance, Deepender claimed that two works suggested by him under MPLADS for the complete reconstruction of the stadium were not given administrative approval by the state government. He also urged the government to take appropriate action against the officials and authorities responsible.
What the central ministry's investigation revealed:
1. Following the letter from the Rohtak MP, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation verified both the suggested works through the e-Sakshi portal. This verification revealed that both were approved by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Rohtak. 2. The first project, costing ₹12.30 lakh, was approved on September 27, 2023, and sanctioned by the International Development Association (IDA) on November 9, 2023. The second project, costing ₹6.20 lakh, was approved on June 18, 2025, and sanctioned on June 26, 2025.
3. The most significant aspect revealed in the central government's inquiry is that no payment or funds have been released for these projects so far. According to sources, the file related to the report is currently with the district authorities. However, following the central government's intervention, the state government has also become alert and has requested the relevant file from the district.
Speaker Om Birla summons report
Regarding this matter, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla summoned a Joint Secretary-level officer of the MPLADS Committee and instructed that a national meeting be convened soon under the Speaker's chairmanship, inviting Members of Parliament from across the country. New guidelines and rules for MPLADS will be formulated through this meeting to ensure accountability for delays in the implementation of the MPLADS scheme nationwide.
The Speaker also instructed the Joint Secretary-level officer of the MPLADS Committee to contact the Rohtak Deputy Commissioner, conduct an inquiry into the Rohtak case, and submit a report to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
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