New Delhi: In a significant development, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar, the prime accused in the murder case of junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankhar. Justice Sanjeev Narula’s bench passed the bail order, requiring Kumar to furnish a bail bond of ₹50,000 along with two sureties of the same amount.
Sushil Kumar Accused of Murder
Sushil Kumar, along with several others, was accused of attacking former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankhar and his two friends, Sonu and Amit Kumar, on May 4, 2021. The incident occurred in the parking lot of Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi over a property dispute. Kumar had been in judicial custody since June 2, 2021.
Following the attack, Dhankhar succumbed to his injuries. According to the post-mortem report, he died due to brain damage caused by blunt-force trauma. After Dhankhar’s death, Kumar went into hiding for 18 days before being arrested.
Kumar’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
As per Delhi Police officials, during his time on the run, Kumar traveled across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. He was finally arrested in Delhi’s Mundka area while attempting to collect cash and borrow a scooter from a national-level player. His arrest led to his suspension from his job in the Indian Railways.
In October 2022, a trial court framed charges against Sushil Kumar and 17 others, leading to the commencement of legal proceedings against them.
Multiple Charges Against Sushil Kumar
Additional Sessions Judge Shivaji Anand framed charges against Kumar and other accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder, rioting, and criminal conspiracy. According to the charge sheet filed by Delhi Police, Kumar has been described as the mastermind behind the entire murder conspiracy.
Sushil Kumar, a celebrated wrestler, has won multiple accolades, including a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
