Delhi Court Denies Bail To Olympian Wrestler Sushil Kumar In Sagar Dhankar Murder Case
A Delhi Court on Friday denied bail to Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar in relation to the case of murder of 27-year-old former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar in May 2021.
Additional Sessions Judge Sushil Kumar of Rohini Courts rejected the bail plea noting the seriousness of allegations leveled against the Olympian and the fact that his bail was cancelled by the Supreme Court in August last year.
“…this Court is not inclined to allow the bail application filed by applicant/accused Sushil Kumar. Same is dismissed, accordingly. Nothing stated herein shall tantamount to any expression of opinion the merits of the case,” the judge said.
The Court noted that the Apex Court had taken note of Kumar's conduct prior to his arrest, video recording of the incident in question allegedly depicting him attacking the injured persons with deadly weapons as well as societal impact upon his release.
The Court also said that many other material witnesses are yet to be examined in the case and the possibility of influencing of such material witnesses by Sushil Kumar cannot be ruled out.
In March last year, the Delhi High Court had granted regular bail to Kumar. However, the said order was set aside by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had held that the High Court errored by not considering the grievous nature of the crime, the possibility of influencing the trial by the Accused and the conduct of the accused during investigation. It noted that the accused remained absconding after the FIR was registered. All allegations are shocking and serious.
While ordering the surrender of Sushil Kumar before the trial court, the Top Court haf reserved his liberty to file fresh application for bail on the ground of change of circumstances.
Kumar was arrested in May 2021 in relation to the case of murder of 27-year-old former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar at the Chhatrasal stadium in Delhi.