In a major setback for Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, the Supreme Court has cancelled his bail in the high-profile murder case of wrestler Sagar Dhankad and directed him to surrender within one week.
The order overturns the Delhi High Court’s March 2025 decision to grant Kumar bail.
Background Of The Case
Kumar, a two-time Olympic medallist, is facing multiple charges including murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, and criminal conspiracy. The case dates back to May 4, 2021, when Sagar Dhankad, a junior wrestler, was brutally assaulted in the parking lot of Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi.
According to the prosecution, Kumar, along with several associates, attacked Dhankad over a property dispute. Two of Dhankad’s friends also sustained injuries during the assault. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the 23-year-old wrestler succumbed to his injuries.
Details Of Fatal Assault
Investigations revealed that Dhankad suffered severe head trauma during the attack. The postmortem report confirmed that the cause of death was cerebral damage resulting from the impact of a blunt object.
Witness testimonies and CCTV footage from the stadium’s premises reportedly placed Kumar at the scene during the violent confrontation.
Bail Granted, Now Revoked
The Delhi High Court had granted Kumar bail in March 2025, citing the progress of the trial and the fact that the accused had been in custody for a considerable period. However, the decision faced immediate criticism from the victim’s family and sections of the wrestling community, who argued that Kumar’s release could influence witnesses and derail the trial.
Hearing the appeal against the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court observed that the seriousness of the charges and the nature of the offence warranted the cancellation of bail. The bench ruled that Kumar must surrender within seven days of the order.
Wider Impact On The Wrestling Community
The murder case has sent shockwaves through India’s wrestling fraternity, tarnishing the image of one of the country’s most celebrated athletes. Kumar, once hailed as a national sports icon, now faces the possibility of a long prison sentence if convicted.
The trial in the case is ongoing, with several prosecution witnesses yet to testify. Legal experts say that the Supreme Court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on the gravity of violent crimes, even when involving high-profile individuals.
With the bail now revoked, Kumar is expected to return to judicial custody by next week. The case will continue before the trial court in Delhi, where evidence, including forensic reports and eyewitness statements, will be examined in detail.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
