Rohini Kalam, an accomplished International Jujitsu athlete and martial arts instructor who proudly represented India at the Asian Games, was tragically discovered deceased at her home in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have indicated that initial investigations point towards suicide. She was 35 years old.
The distressing incident unfolded at the family residence in Arjun Nagar, Radhaganj, where Rohini’s younger sister, Roshni Kalam, made the harrowing discovery of her sister’s lifeless body. Promptly informing other family members, Rohini was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals, upon arrival, pronounced her deceased.
During the incident, Rohini’s mother was away visiting a temple with another daughter, while her father, a retired Bank Note Press employee, was also absent from the home. Authorities confirmed the absence of a suicide note at the scene.
Roshni informed investigators that Rohini served as a martial arts instructor at a private school in Ashta and was experiencing job-related stress. Having returned home to Dewas on Saturday, Rohini had her usual morning routine on Sunday, conversed on the phone, and then retired to her room, locking the door from within.
“She was troubled by work. The school staff and principal were causing her distress. She sounded worried during her phone conversations,” shared Roshni.
Rohini’s father revealed to authorities that she was the eldest of five siblings who had previously declined marriage proposals. She had ambitions of becoming an IPS officer, striving for the Vikram Award over the past two years without success. The family noted that she had undergone surgery for a stomach ailment five months earlier and had been unwell since then. Allegations were made against the school principal for contributing to her troubles.
An investigation has been initiated by the police at the Bank Note Press station to unravel the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.
Rohini commenced her athletic journey in 2007, venturing into competitive Jujitsu in 2015. Her accolades included representing India at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou and being the sole Indian athlete chosen for the World Games in Birmingham. Noteworthy achievements comprised multiple medals at the Asian Jujitsu Championships, securing a bronze in the 48 kg category at the Thailand Open Grand Prix 2022 in Bangkok and another bronze in the duo classic event at the 8th Asian Jujitsu Championship 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, she qualified for the Combat Games in Saudi Arabia.
Pending the post-mortem examination report, authorities await further insights into the circumstances surrounding her demise.