Delhi High Court grants bail to wrestler Sushil Kumar in Sagar Dhankar murder case

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to celebrated wrestler Sushil Kumar in connection with the murder case of junior wrestler Sagar Dhankar.

The decision was made by Justice Sanjeev Narula, with Kumar securing bail upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and providing two sureties of the same amount.

Kumar, who was previously granted a seven-day interim bail for knee surgery in July 2023, has been incarcerated for over three and a half years. During this period, legal proceedings have seen only 30 out of 186 prosecution witnesses being examined.

The incident in question occurred on the night of May 4, 2021, at the Chhatrasal Stadium.

Sagar Dhankar and others were reportedly assaulted, leading to Dhankar's injuries and subsequent death. Kumar and several others face trial in the case, with his defense helmed by advocates R S Malik and Sumeet Shokeen, who highlighted the lengthy custody period and the slow pace of witness examination.

Sushil Kumar, renowned for his achievements in sports, has represented India with distinction, winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics and a silver at the London Olympics. His current legal challenges have been a significant point of discussion, with today's bail adding a new chapter to the ongoing case.

The detailed order from the court is anticipated soon, with broader implications for the progress of the trial.