Delhi Court Denies Bail to Wrestler Sushil Kumar in Murder Case
A Delhi court has once again refused to grant bail to Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar in the high-profile murder case linked to the death of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar. The decision was delivered on Friday by an additional sessions judge while hearing Kumar's latest bail application, marking another setback for the former Olympian who has been in custody for over two years.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to May 2021, when Sagar Dhankar and his friends were allegedly abducted and taken to Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium. According to investigators, a dispute related to property escalated into a violent confrontation, leading to Dhankar being brutally assaulted with baseball and hockey sticks. The post-mortem report later confirmed that he died due to severe brain damage caused by a blunt object, with two of his friends also sustaining injuries during the attack.
Sushil Kumar was arrested soon after the incident and has remained in custody since then, except for a brief period in July 2023 when he was granted interim bail for knee surgery. In October 2022, the trial court formally framed serious charges against him, including murder, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, rioting with deadly weapons, and violations under the Arms Act.
Court's Reasoning for Bail Rejection
While rejecting bail earlier, the trial court took a strong view of the allegations, observing that the incident showed how the national capital was turned into a "criminal playground" to settle personal scores without respect for the law. With the charges already framed and the case still under trial, the court found no grounds to release the former Olympian on bail at this stage.
The additional sessions judge echoed this stance in the latest hearing, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing judicial process. The court noted that releasing Kumar could potentially interfere with the trial and undermine public confidence in the legal system.
Implications and Next Steps
This bail rejection underscores the serious nature of the allegations against Sushil Kumar, who was once celebrated as a national hero for his Olympic achievements. The case has drawn significant public and media attention, highlighting issues of violence and impunity in sports circles.
As the trial continues, legal experts suggest that Kumar's legal team may explore further appeals, but the court's firm stance indicates a challenging path ahead. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences faced by individuals, regardless of their public stature, when involved in criminal activities.
