Supreme Court Cancels Bail of Wrestler Sushil Kumar in Sagar Dhankar Murder Case

The Supreme Court has revoked the bail granted to two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, ordering him to surrender within a week. The decision came after Ashok Dhankar, father of slain junior wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar, challenged the Delhi High Court's March order that had released Kumar on bail.

Kumar, the prime accused in the assault and murder of Sagar Dhankar on May 4, 2021, at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium, allegedly threatened a key witness, according to the appeal. The High Court had earlier granted bail citing slow trial progress, as only 30 of 186 prosecution witnesses had been examined. However, a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra overturned that ruling.

Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani represented Kumar, while Siddharth Mridul appeared for the victim's father.

Case Background

Sushil Kumar was arrested on May 23, 2021, after an 18-day manhunt across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi Police chargesheet described him as the "kingpin" of the conspiracy. Along with 17 co-accused, he faces charges under multiple IPC sections, including murder, criminal conspiracy, rioting, kidnapping, and robbery.

Sagar Dhankar died of cerebral damage caused by severe injuries, and two of his friends were also injured during the attack.

The Supreme Court's cancellation of bail marks a major legal setback for Kumar, whose trial remains ongoing.