New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside an order of bail to Olympic medallist and wrestler Sushil Kumar in a 2021 murder case of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar at the Chhatrasal Stadium in the national capital.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra noted the allegations in the FIR, which said the national capital was made into a “criminal playground” to settle scores with no regard for the law of the land, and directed Kumar to surrender within a week before the court concerned.
The bench was hearing an appeal filed by Dhankar’s father against the Delhi High Court’s March 4 bail order.
Kumar and others are accused of fatally assaulting Dhankar and injuring his two friends in May 2021 over an alleged property dispute.
“Undoubtedly, the accused (Kumar) is a celebrated wrestler and an Olympian, who has represented the nation at the international level. It cannot be doubted that he carries societal impact,” the bench said.
The verdict, however, observed his “domineering influence” over witnesses or delaying the trial proceedings cannot be ruled out.
The allegations relating to pressuring witnesses were stated to have been made before the order granting bail was passed and certain witnesses had in writing lodged complaints apprehending threat to their lives at Kumar’s behest.
The bench noted after the FIR was lodged, Kumar remained absconding and evaded arrest. He was eventually arrested on May 23, 2021.
“This court must also be cognisant of the seriousness of the allegations against the accused,” the bench said.
The top court further noted the accused persons allegedly abducted certain persons, violently attacked them with dangerous weapons and caused grievous injuries resulting in unfortunate death of the victim.
