New Delhi: Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar has approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the high-profile murder case of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankhad. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on February 20, marking a crucial juncture in the legal battle that has kept the celebrated athlete behind bars since May 2021.
The case stems from a brutal attack at Chhatrasal Stadium in 2021, where Sagar Dhankhad was allegedly kidnapped, brought to the venue, and savagely assaulted with baseball bats and sharp weapons. The assault proved fatal for Sagar, who succumbed to severe head injuries on the spot. Two of his friends also suffered serious injuries during the violent confrontation.
Sushil, named as the prime accused, saw his initial bail plea rejected by the Rohini Court on February 6. Undeterred, he has now challenged that decision in the High Court. In October 2022, charges under IPC sections for murder, criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, and assault with deadly weapons were formally framed against him, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.
Despite repeated attempts, Sushil’s bail applications have been denied, though he received a week’s interim bail in 2023 for knee surgery. A double Olympic medalist – bronze in Beijing 2008 and silver in London 2012 – Sushil holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win consecutive Olympic medals in wrestling. His legal fight continues to draw attention amid his illustrious sporting legacy.