Sepak Takraw champion had won multiple medals representing Maharashtra; family alleges accused biker was released and demands strict action and financial assistance
Nagpur Today | Nagpur, November 12, 2026: A promising 17-year-old national-level Sepak Takraw player, who had won gold medals representing Maharashtra, died after being hit by a speeding motorcycle in Nagpur. The tragic death of Avni Mukesh Baghel has left her family, fellow athletes and the local sporting community devastated.
The family has alleged that the accused motorcyclist was released by police after initially being taken into custody. Demanding justice, relatives, fellow players and local residents even reached the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 4, with Avni’s mortal remains to seek action against the accused.
Speeding Motorcycle Hits Avni at Sangharsh Nagar Chowk
According to police sources, the accident took place at around 6:30 pm on November 11 at Sangharsh Nagar Chowk. Avni, a resident of Jat Tarodi in the Imamwada area, was reportedly waiting to take a U-turn when a speeding motorcycle rammed into her.
She sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
Her untimely death has cut short the sporting journey of a young athlete who had already brought recognition to Maharashtra at the national level.
Won Multiple Medals for Maharashtra
Avni was an accomplished Sepak Takraw player who had represented Nagpur in several state-level competitions, winning medals on seven to eight occasions.
She had also represented Maharashtra in four to five national-level competitions and won gold medals. She had further showcased her talent at major sporting platforms, including Khelo India.
Sepak Takraw is a popular Southeast Asian sport often described as a combination of football and volleyball, in which players use their feet, knees, chest and head to control and strike a ball over a net.
Financial Struggles Despite Sporting Achievements
Behind Avni’s medals was a story of extraordinary determination and financial hardship.
Her family’s financial condition was weak, and even purchasing proper sports shoes was a challenge. Travelling to other cities to participate in competitions was equally difficult due to a lack of money for tickets and other expenses.
On several occasions, her academy and fellow players reportedly pooled money to arrange sports shoes and travel expenses so that she could participate in competitions.
Despite these difficulties, Avni continued to pursue her dreams and brought laurels to Maharashtra.
Her death has also raised questions about the financial support and institutional assistance available to talented athletes from economically weaker families.
Family Alleges Accused Motorcyclist Was Released
Following the accident, local residents reportedly caught the motorcyclist and handed him over to the police.
However, Avni’s family alleged that the accused was taken to the police station between 7 pm and 8 pm but was subsequently released between 2:30 am and 3 am after being issued a notice.
When the family learned about his release the following morning, they expressed strong anger and approached corporator and Standing Committee member Wasim Khan for support.
The family demanded that the accused be taken back into custody and that strict legal action be initiated against him.
Family Reaches DCP Office with Mortal Remains
Wasim Khan, along with Avni’s family members, fellow athletes, academy members and local residents, approached DCP Zone 4 Rashmita Rao to demand justice.
As the DCP was reportedly unavailable at the office and could not be contacted over the phone, the protesters brought Avni’s mortal remains in an ambulance and gathered outside the DCP office.
They raised slogans demanding the immediate detention of the accused, strict action and financial assistance from the government for the bereaved family.
ACP Narendra Hivare and Nandanvan Police Station in-charge officer Umakant Rathod subsequently reached the spot.
Police officials informed the gathering through a video call that the motorcyclist had been taken into custody. Avni’s two sisters also identified the accused during the video call.
The family insisted that the accused should not be released until Avni’s last rites were completed. They also sought a meeting with senior police officials and assurances regarding appropriate legal action and financial assistance.
Following discussions with the police, Avni’s mortal remains were taken home and her last rites were performed.
A Promising Sporting Career Cut Short
Avni’s death is not merely the loss of a young life in a road accident. It is also the loss of a promising sporting talent who overcame financial difficulties to win national-level recognition for Maharashtra.
Her medals stand as a testament to her determination, but her dreams of achieving greater success on the sporting field will remain unfulfilled.
Her family is now seeking justice, while fellow athletes and supporters are demanding accountability and better support for talented young sportspersons struggling with financial constraints.
