In a tragic incident that has shaken the sports community and raised critical questions about public health awareness, 22-year-old Brijesh Solanki, a state-level kabaddi player from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, lost his life to rabies after neglecting a seemingly minor puppy bite. The gold medalist and aspiring Pro Kabaddi League athlete, known for his athletic prowess and kind heart, succumbed to the deadly virus on June 28, 2025, nearly three months after the bite occurred. This heartbreaking event underscores the lethal consequences of underestimating animal bites and the urgent need for greater awareness about rabies prevention.
A Heroic Act Turns Fatal
In March 2025, Brijesh Solanki, a resident of Farana village in Bulandshahr, was attempting to rescue a stray puppy trapped in a drain. During the act of compassion, the puppy bit his right hand. The bite appeared minor—a small scratch that Brijesh dismissed as insignificant. Believing it to be no different from the bruises and aches he often sustained during kabaddi practice, he chose not to seek medical attention or receive an anti-rabies vaccine. This decision, rooted in a lack of awareness about the dangers of rabies, would prove fatal.
According to his coach, Praveen Kumar, Brijesh initially mistook the discomfort in his arm for a routine sports injury. “He thought it was just a kabaddi-related pain,” Kumar said in an interview. “The bite seemed so small that he didn’t think it warranted a doctor’s visit.” This misjudgment is not uncommon in rural areas, where awareness about rabies and its rapid progression remains limited.
The Silent Progression of Rabies
Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), is a zoonotic disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites. The virus travels slowly through the nervous system, often remaining asymptomatic during its incubation period, which can last from weeks to months. In Brijesh’s case, symptoms did not manifest until late June, nearly three months after the bite.
On June 26, 2025, during a kabaddi practice session, Brijesh reported numbness in his right hand, which soon spread across his body. As his condition deteriorated, he began exhibiting classic rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia (fear of water), aggression, and delirium. A viral video circulating online captured the harrowing final days of his life, showing Brijesh writhing in agony and experiencing violent seizures—a stark reminder of the virus’s devastating impact once it reaches the brain.
A Failed Race Against Time
Brijesh’s family sought medical help as his condition worsened. He was initially taken to a district hospital in Bulandshahr, but his rapidly declining health necessitated a transfer to a private hospital in Noida. His brother, Sandeep Kumar, alleged that multiple government hospitals in Khurja, Aligarh, and Delhi refused treatment, citing the advanced stage of the infection. “It was only in Noida that doctors confirmed he likely had rabies,” Sandeep told reporters. “By then, it was too late.”
In a desperate attempt to save him, the family took Brijesh to an Ayurvedic center in Mathura, hoping for a miracle. Tragically, he passed away on June 28 while en route to a faith healer. The delay in seeking timely medical intervention, coupled with systemic healthcare challenges, sealed his fate. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—a series of rabies vaccinations—critical to survival.
Rabies: A Preventable Yet Deadly Threat
Rabies remains a significant public health concern in India, which accounts for a substantial portion of the estimated 59,000 annual rabies deaths worldwide. Stray dogs are the primary carriers, responsible for over 95% of human cases in the country. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, lack of awareness, inadequate access to healthcare, and delays in treatment contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Dohre, Chief Medical Officer of Bulandshahr, emphasized the importance of immediate action following an animal bite. “Anyone bitten by a dog, monkey, or other animal must seek medical attention at a government hospital without delay,” he said. Health authorities recommend washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seeking PEP, which includes a series of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin.
In response to Brijesh’s death, health officials visited Farana village, vaccinating 29 residents and launching an awareness campaign to educate the community about rabies prevention. Such efforts are critical in rural areas, where myths and misconceptions about animal bites often lead to fatal delays.
A Community in Mourning
Brijesh Solanki was more than just a kabaddi player; he was a source of pride for Farana village. A gold medalist in state-level championships, he dreamed of competing in the Pro Kabaddi League, a goal that inspired his rigorous training and dedication. His untimely death left his family, teammates, and neighbors in deep grief. “He had a bright future and a golden heart,” said a neighbor, reflecting on Brijesh’s act of kindness toward the stray puppy.
The viral video of Brijesh’s suffering has sparked widespread shock and sorrow across social media, with many expressing outrage over the lack of timely medical intervention. Posts on X highlighted the tragedy, with users urging greater awareness about rabies and the importance of vaccination. “Thousands die of rabies in India every year,” one user noted, underscoring the need for systemic change.
Addressing India’s Rabies Crisis
Brijesh’s death highlights critical gaps in India’s public health framework. Limited access to anti-rabies vaccines in rural areas, coupled with insufficient awareness, continues to claim lives. Some states, like Kerala, are advocating for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk populations, such as children in areas with large stray dog populations. Additionally, stronger stray dog management programs, including sterilization and vaccination drives, are essential to reducing rabies transmission.
The tragedy also exposes challenges in India’s healthcare system. Sandeep Kumar’s allegations of being turned away from government hospitals point to issues of capacity, training, and resource allocation. Ensuring that rural hospitals are equipped to administer PEP and that healthcare providers are trained to recognize and treat potential rabies cases could save countless lives.
A Call to Action
Brijesh Solanki’s story is a poignant reminder that no animal bite, however small, should be ignored. His act of compassion cost him his life, but his death can serve as a catalyst for change. Public health campaigns must prioritize educating communities about the dangers of rabies and the importance of immediate medical care. Schools, sports organizations, and local governments can play a pivotal role in disseminating this knowledge.
For individuals, the steps are clear:
- Act Immediately: Wash any animal bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek Medical Care: Visit a healthcare facility to begin the rabies vaccination schedule as soon as possible.
- Report Incidents: Inform local health authorities to track potential rabies cases and vaccinate at-risk individuals.
- Avoid Myths: Traditional remedies or faith-based treatments cannot cure rabies; only medical intervention can prevent its progression.
Honoring Brijesh’s Legacy
As Farana village mourns the loss of a talented athlete and compassionate soul, Brijesh Solanki’s story should not fade into obscurity. His death is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to address the rabies crisis with urgency. By improving access to vaccines, raising awareness, and strengthening stray animal management, India can honor Brijesh’s memory and prevent future tragedies.
The kabaddi community has lost a rising star, but Brijesh’s legacy can live on through efforts to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate. Let his story be a turning point in the fight against rabies—a preventable disease that continues to claim too many lives.
Last Updated on: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:04 am by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:04 am | News Categories: News
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