Liberty Of Accused Must Not Undermine Justice To Victim”: Supreme Court Cancels Bail Of Wrestler Sushil Kumar In Sagar Dhankhar Murder Case

On August 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of India overturned the Delhi High Court’s order granting bail to Olympian wrestler Sushil Kumar in the Sagar Dhankhar murder case and directed him to surrender within seven days. A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra delivered the order while hearing an appeal filed by Ashok Dhankad, father of the deceased wrestler Sagar Dhankhar, challenging the Delhi High Court’s March 2025 decision to release Kumar on bail.

Case Background
Sushil Kumar was arrested in May 2021 in connection with the alleged murder of 27-year-old Sagar Dhankhar, a former junior national wrestling champion, at Chhatrasal Stadium, Delhi. The incident reportedly involved a violent clash in which Kumar and his associates were accused of assaulting Dhankhar, leading to his death.

The Delhi High Court granted Kumar bail earlier this year, noting that the trial had seen only 30 out of 186 prosecution witnesses examined over a three-year period, highlighting procedural delays.

Challenge Before the Supreme Court
Ashok Dhankad, in his appeal, argued that granting bail was inappropriate due to serious allegations of witness intimidation. He alleged that during an earlier period of interim bail, Kumar had threatened a key witness, raising concerns over the fairness of the trial if he remained out on bail.

The Supreme Court, taking note of these allegations and the gravity of the offence, decided to set aside the bail order and directed Kumar to surrender to authorities within a week.

Case Title: Ashok Dhankad v. State NCT of Delhi and Anr. | SLP(Crl) No. 5370/2025
Date of Decision: August 13, 2025