In a significant development, the Delhi High Court will deliberate on wrestler Sushil Kumar’s bail petition in the Sagar Dhankhad murder case on Friday, February 20. This follows the dismissal of his plea by the trial court earlier this month, prompting the Olympic champion to escalate his appeal.
The incident unfolded in May 2021 at Chhatrasal Stadium, where Sagar was reportedly abducted and subjected to a vicious attack involving blunt and sharp objects. The 23-year-old wrestler died from critical head trauma, while his two companions were left grievously wounded. Sushil Kumar was arrested soon after as the key suspect.
The court has charged Sushil under stringent IPC provisions, including murder and conspiracy, after evidence suggested a premeditated assault post-kidnapping. Bail has remained elusive for the 40-year-old grappler, who briefly tasted freedom in 2023 for medical reasons.
Sushil’s achievements shine brightly: a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 66kg freestyle category and a silver four years later in London, making history as India’s first back-to-back Olympic wrestling medalist. As his day in the High Court approaches, the nation watches whether justice or sporting glory will prevail in this tangled saga.