New Delhi, Feb 7: A Delhi court on Friday refused to grant bail to Olympian Sushil Kumar in the murder case of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar, saying the possibility that the accused may influence witnesses “cannot be ruled out”.Additional Sessions Judge Sushil Kumar was hearing the bail application filed by Kumar in the case of Dhankar’s killing at the Chhatrasal Stadium here.
“It is important to mention that many other material witnesses are yet to be examined and the possibility of influencing such material witnesses by applicant/accused Sushil Kumar cannot be ruled out,” the court said.
It noted that the allegations against Kumar are serious in nature and his bail plea was also rejected by the Supreme Court last year.
The court also said that the apex court had made various observations while denying the relief to Kumar, including the societal impact upon his release.
Kumar’s lawyer told the court that his client has been in custody for four years and the trial would take more time.
“No evidence has come on record that Sushil abducted anyone. Most of the witnesses have already been examined and most of them have turned hostile. He should be granted bail,” the lawyer said.
Opposing the bail plea, lawyer Joshini Tuli, representing the victim’s father, said Kumar has been named as the main conspirator in the case, which has a total of 20 accused.