Court Rejects Sushil Kumar’s Bail Plea Again In Sagar Dhankar Murder Case

Two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar has suffered another legal setback after a Delhi court rejected his latest bail application in connection with the murder of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar.

The decision means the decorated wrestler will continue to remain in custody as the trial progresses.

Sushil Kumar was arrested in May 2021 following an alleged violent altercation at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium, where Dhankar and his associates were reportedly attacked over a property-related dispute. According to investigators, Sushil and several others are accused of assaulting Dhankar and his friends during the incident, which eventually led to Dhankar's death.

While denying the bail plea, the court noted that several key witnesses are yet to be examined in the case. It observed that granting bail at this stage could create the possibility of the accused influencing witnesses. The court also pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously refused bail to Sushil Kumar in August 2025, making it difficult for the trial court to take a different view. The apex court had earlier highlighted the potential societal consequences of releasing the wrestler while the case remains under trial.

However, Sushil Kumar's legal counsel argued that there was no evidence proving that the wrestler had abducted anyone. The defence also claimed that most of the witnesses examined so far had turned hostile, strengthening the argument for granting bail.

Medical reports related to the case stated that Dhankar sustained severe brain injuries caused by blunt-force trauma. Two of his associates were also reportedly injured during the attack. The trial court had earlier framed charges against Sushil Kumar in October 2022 under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and rioting with weapons. Additional charges were also filed under the Arms Act.

During the investigation, it was alleged that Dhankar was forcibly brought to the stadium before being assaulted by multiple individuals using sticks and other weapons. Sushil Kumar had previously been granted interim bail for a week in July 2023 to undergo knee surgery.

With the court once again rejecting his plea, the case continues to move forward, keeping one of India's most decorated wrestlers at the centre of a high-profile legal battle.