A heartbreaking yet alarming incident has emerged from Northern India, where a state-level kabaddi player succumbed to rabies. The 22-year-old Brijesh Solanki from Uttar Pradesh was reportedly bitten by a stray puppy he rescued from a drain. Just days before his death, he began exhibiting symptoms of rabies. Brijesh, a gold medalist at the state championship and a potential player for the Pro Kabaddi League, did not receive the anti-rabies vaccine after the bite, leading to his tragic demise, according to recent reports.

Family members of Solanki shared the unfortunate news on Thursday. He was bitten by the puppy two months prior but did not take the incident seriously. His health deteriorated on June 28, prompting hospitalization, but despite efforts, he could not be saved. Brijesh was the youngest of three brothers.

Sandeep, Brijesh's brother, recounted that the puppy had been trapped in a drain, and while attempting to rescue it, Brijesh was bitten on the finger. He believed the injury was minor and neglected to get the anti-rabies vaccine. A private hospital in Aligarh later confirmed that he had been bitten by a rabid animal, likely a dog or monkey. At the time of the incident, Brijesh was training locally in his village.

In response to his death, health officials administered anti-rabies vaccines to at least 29 individuals in Farana village as a precautionary measure.

Following the tragedy, health authorities visited Farana village and initiated a local awareness campaign. Brijesh's coach, Praveen Kumar, expressed his sorrow, stating, "He was our most promising player. He thought the pain in his hand was just from regular kabaddi practice and did not realize how serious the bite could be."

The family is now seeking assistance from the government, with Sandeep mentioning, "Brijesh was the sole breadwinner for our family. We request support from the authorities."

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