Supreme Court Revokes Sushil Kumar's Bail in Wrestling Murder Case
Legal Setback for Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar, a two-time Olympic medalist, faced a significant legal setback on Wednesday as the Supreme Court annulled his bail related to the murder of junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar in 2021.
Supreme Court's Ruling
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra overturned the Delhi High Court's decision from March 4 that had previously granted Kumar bail. This ruling followed a petition from Sagar's father, Ashok Dhankad, who contested the High Court's verdict. Justice Karol instructed that Kumar must surrender within a week.
Details of the Case
The incident in question occurred on May 4, 2021, in the parking area of Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium. Sagar Dhankar, a 23-year-old wrestler from Rohtak, Haryana, was reportedly attacked by Kumar and several accomplices, including his friends Sonu and Amit Kumar. The assault, allegedly stemming from a property dispute, resulted in Dhankar suffering fatal head injuries from blunt force trauma, while his friends sustained injuries but survived.
Kumar's Alleged Role
The Delhi Police's charge sheet identifies Kumar as the 'kingpin' behind the attack, claiming he orchestrated it to reassert his dominance in the wrestling community amid rumors of his declining influence. Kumar has consistently denied these accusations.
Manhunt and Capture
After the incident, Kumar evaded capture for 18 days, moving through various states including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. His evasion ended on May 23, 2021, when he was arrested by Delhi Police in Mundka while allegedly attempting to collect cash, having borrowed a scooter from another national-level athlete.
Trial Developments
In October 2022, a Delhi trial court charged Kumar and 17 others with multiple offenses under the IPC, including murder, rioting, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and robbery, as well as violations of the Arms Act. While seeking bail, Kumar argued that he had already spent three and a half years in custody and that the trial was progressing slowly, with only 31 of 222 prosecution witnesses having been examined. The High Court had granted him bail earlier this year, citing these factors.
A Fall from Grace
Once celebrated for his achievements in Indian sports, including a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver at the 2012 London Games, Sushil Kumar's legacy is now marred by this criminal case. The Supreme Court's recent ruling shifts the focus back to the ongoing trial, where Kumar faces a daunting challenge, one that unfolds not on the wrestling mat but in a courtroom.