Justice on the Line: Delhi HC Demands Police Response on Wrestler Sushil Kumar’s Bail Plea in Chhatrasal Stadium Murder Case
The Delhi High Court on February 20, 2026, requested the Delhi Police to respond to the bail plea filed by former wrestler Sushil Kumar, who is accused in the murder case of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar. Justice Anup J. Bhambhani issued a notice to both the Delhi Police and Dhankar’s family, requiring them to submit a status report and a reply, respectively.
During the proceedings, Justice Bhambhani pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously revoked the bail granted to Kumar by the High Court in August 2025, questioning the merits of the current plea. “I think you are being ambitious,” he remarked. “Once the Supreme Court has taken a view, what do you expect from me?”
Kumar’s lawyer argued that the bail application should be considered since all public witnesses had already been examined. However, legal representatives for the Delhi Police and Dhankar’s relatives countered that key witnesses were still pending examination. The court concluded the session by instructing both parties to file detailed responses by the next hearing date, set for May 4.
Sushil Kumar was arrested in May 2021 in connection with the murder case. A sessions court allowed him temporary bail for a knee surgery on July 19, 2023. However, the Supreme Court intervened on August 13, 2025, canceling the bail after taking note of Kumar’s “domineering influence” over witnesses and the risk of delaying trial proceedings.
On February 6, 2026, a trial court again denied bail to Kumar, emphasizing the likelihood that he might manipulate witnesses if released. The trial court initially framed charges against Kumar in October 2022, including murder, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and rioting with a deadly weapon, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, he faces charges related to the Arms Act.
Testimony from the trial revealed that after Dhankar’s abduction and transport to the Chhatrasal Stadium, he was brutally beaten by multiple attackers wielding baseball and hockey sticks, highlighting the violent nature of the incident and the gravity of the charges facing Kumar.
This ongoing legal battle continues to draw public attention as it unfolds in the High Court, with implications for both Sushil Kumar’s career and the broader perception of athlete conduct in India. The case remains a significant topic in discussions about justice and accountability within the sports community.
As the case develops, observers will be keenly watching the legal processes in the coming months, particularly during the next scheduled hearing.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/chhatrasal-stadium-murder-case-delhi-hc-seeks-polices-stand-on-wrestler-sushil-kumars-bail-plea/article70655075.ece
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Publish Date: 2026-02-20 12:48:00
