The Supreme Court has revoked the bail granted to Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar in the murder case of fellow athlete Sagar Dhankar, directing him to surrender within a week.
A Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra delivered the order on Wednesday, allowing an appeal filed by Sagar’s father, Ashok Dhankad, who had challenged the Delhi High Court’s May 2023 decision to grant bail to Kumar.
The Delhi High Court had earlier allowed Kumar’s release on furnishing a ₹50,000 bail bond along with two sureties of the same amount. The order was passed despite the victim’s family insisting that the accused, given his influence, could tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses.
Kumar, one of India’s most decorated wrestlers with a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver at the 2012 London Games, is facing trial in the killing of junior wrestler Sagar Dhankar. The incident occurred on 4 May 2021, when Dhankar and others were allegedly assaulted by Kumar and his associates at Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium. Dhankar later died from his injuries.
Also read: Rumour swirls: Will AAP's Sheetal Angural, Sushil Kumar Rinku join BJP in Punjab?
The court records state that in July 2023, Kumar had been granted a week’s interim bail to undergo knee surgery. However, Wednesday’s order marks a sharp reversal, with the apex court stressing that the High Court had erred in granting him regular bail.
The case had sent shockwaves through India’s sporting community, tarnishing the image of a man once hailed as a national hero. Police investigations have linked the attack to a property and money dispute, with multiple co-accused already facing trial.
Kumar is now required to present himself before the authorities within seven days, failing which further legal action could be initiated.
Follow us
