Rajkot’s SRP ground in Gondal turned somber on Monday when 27-year-old Nitinbhai Chauhan from Gir Somnath’s Malarwadi village died of cardiac arrest shortly after acing the 5km run in Gujarat’s ongoing police recruitment process.
The young man, who completed the test in a swift 23 minutes, beat the required time with ease. But joy turned to panic as he exited the venue, struck by intense chest pain and breathing difficulties.
On-site doctors sprang into action, administering emergency care and ferrying him to the nearest civil hospital in Gondal. Tragically, he breathed his last en route to recovery.
‘He was walking back when the attack hit; we couldn’t save him despite prompt response,’ shared a police official involved in the recruitment.
Hailing from a modest background, Nitinbhai held advanced degrees in science and had tied the knot only a year prior. His family revealed he had dedicated years to police recruitment preparations, seeing it as his ultimate calling.
The incident has echoed past mishaps in the drive. Just days ago in Bharuch, Kutch’s Ravirajsinh Jadeja, 25, met a similar end post-run. Chhota Udepur also reported a 27-year-old’s death after collapsing during the test.
With multiple fatalities linked to these physical trials, concerns mount over pre-exam health checks and on-ground medical readiness. Experts call for mandatory advanced cardiac screenings and better hydration stations. Nitinbhai’s story underscores the perils faced by thousands chasing badges of valor, urging a reevaluation of recruitment rigors to safeguard lives.
