Delhi High Court Seeks Police Stand on Sushil Kumar Bail Plea as Murder Trial Moves Ahead

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought the response of the Delhi Police on a fresh bail plea filed by Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar in the murder case of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar , even as the long-running trial continues to move forward. Justice Anup J. Bhambhani issued notices to the police and the victim’s family, directing them to submit status reports before the next hearing on May 4 , while noting that the Supreme Court of India had earlier cancelled Kumar’s bail, making fresh relief difficult unless circumstances had changed.

The case dates back to May 2021 , when Dhankar was allegedly abducted and taken to the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi and brutally assaulted by a group of accused persons using sticks and other weapons. He later succumbed to his injuries, triggering a major investigation that shocked India’s wrestling fraternity and raised concerns about violence and power struggles within training centres.

Kumar was arrested soon after and has remained in custody for most of the period since then, apart from brief medical relief. In October 2022 , a trial court framed charges against him and others under provisions related to murder , criminal conspiracy , rioting and intimidation, along with offences under the Arms Act. Courts have repeatedly stressed the seriousness of the allegations and the need to ensure witnesses testify freely without fear or pressure.

In August 2025 , the Supreme Court cancelled the bail earlier granted to Kumar, observing that his influence within the wrestling community could affect witnesses or delay proceedings. More recently, on February 6, 2026 , a trial court again rejected his bail plea, stating that the possibility of witness influence could not be ruled out and that several key witnesses were yet to be examined.

The fresh plea before the high court now rests on whether progress in the trial constitutes a change in circumstances sufficient to reconsider bail. Legal observers say the case remains one of the most closely watched criminal trials involving a top Indian sportsperson, raising broader questions about athlete accountability and governance in competitive sport.

With the high court awaiting responses from the police and the complainant’s family, the matter remains under judicial scrutiny while trial proceedings continue in the lower court.