On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, a Delhi Court framed charges against the Indian wrestler, Sushil Kumar, and 17 others in the trial of the case involving the murder of former "junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar" in May 2021. In addition to the murder charges u/ 302 IPC, Sushil Kumar is also charged under Sections 307 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code for causing injuries one of the victims, Jai Bhagwan.

The incident happened when Sagar and his two friends were returning from training at Chhatrasal Stadium and were attacked by Sushil Kumar and other accused. While framing the charges, the Court, noted "That the prime accused, Sushil Kumar, had been searching for victim Sagar Dhankhar since their first meeting at Chhatrasal stadium about 8:00–8:30 p.m. The statements of the victims mentioned the fact that during the whole time he had been telling the victims that he would kill Sagar Dhankar. "

According to the court, there is compelling evidence against the accused Sushil Kumar under Section 302 of the IPC for the murder of Sagar Dhankhad and Section 307 of the IPC for assaulting the victim Jai Bhagwan Sonu after reviewing the location chart, medical evidence, and other evidence listed in the charge sheet.

The special public prosecutor told the court that the allegations in the chargesheet were serious and such an act  could not have been committed without planning. He further pointed out that not only the mens rea (criminal intent) but the actus reus (guilty act) for the murder was clearly made out as Dhankad was mercilessly beaten up by accused Kumar and the other co-accused with such intensity and for such duration that death was certain.

The others who have been charged include Parveen Dabas, Anirudh Dahiya, Gaurav Lara, Surjeet Grewal, Anil Dhiman, Rohit Malik, Bijender, Rahul, Prince, Ajay Kumar, Mohit, Manjeet, Gulab, Bhupinder and Choti.

Case Details:-

State vs. Sushil Kumar Etc.