Olympic Wrestler Sushil Kumar Gets Bail After 3.5 Years in Jail

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to former Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar after he spent more than three and a half years in jail for his alleged role in the murder of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankar. 

Justice Sanjeev Narula ordered Kumar's release on a bail bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties of the same amount. The court's decision comes as the trial has moved slowly, with only 30 out of 186 prosecution witnesses being examined in the last three years. 

The Case Against Sushil Kumar

On the night of May 4, 2021, Sagar Dhankar and his friends were allegedly beaten up by Sushil Kumar and others at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium. The fight reportedly started over a property dispute. Dhankar later died from his injuries. 

According to the post-mortem report, Dhankar suffered cerebral damage from blunt force trauma. The trial court found a prima facie case for murder, noting that the victims were severely beaten with sticks, baseball bats, and hockey sticks after being abducted and brought to the stadium. The court also pointed out that the victims were tortured for a long time, with the accused locking the main gate of the stadium to prevent any help from reaching the deceased. 

Legal Proceedings and Arguments 

Sushil Kumar has been in judicial custody since June 2, 2021. His lawyers, RS Malik and Sumeet Shokeen, argued that their client had already spent more than three and a half years in custody while the trial progressed very slowly. = Before this bail, Kumar had been granted interim bail twice – once to perform his father's last rites and another time for knee surgery in July 2023. The slow pace of the trial appears to have played a significant role in the court's decision to grant bail. 

Impact on Chhatrasal Stadium and Wrestling Community 

The news of Kumar's bail has created mixed feelings at Chhatrasal Stadium, where he was once highly respected. Despite his tarnished reputation, many still refer to him with reverence as "pehelwanji." 

During his prime, Kumar was a source of inspiration for young wrestlers at the stadium. Even during his absence, a large photograph of him receiving the Khel Ratna award continued to occupy a place of honor at the facility, which is considered India's greatest wrestling nursery.

Sushil Kumar remains one of India's most accomplished athletes, having won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.