New Delhi: A Delhi court has granted nine-day interim bail to Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar on medical and humanitarian grounds for his wife’s surgery.
The court was hearing the anticipatory bail application of Kumar, who has been remanded in judicial custody since June 2 last year in connection with the murder of junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar.
“In view of the health condition of the accused’s wife and also in view of the fact that there are two minor children involved, this court is of the opinion that the presence of the accused will be necessary and his release is ordered on.” interim bail till November 12, 2022, on his personal surety of ₹ 1 lakh with two sureties in like amount,” Additional Sessions Judge Shivaji Anand said.
The judge ordered Kumar to surrender to the concerned jail superintendent on November 13.
The court observed that the bail application was made due to the urgent need for surgery of the accused’s wife who was suffering from acute lower back pain and the medical documents attached to the application were verified by the investigating officer from the concerned hospital.
The court agreed with the contention of Kumar’s defense that his presence was necessary for his wife’s surgery on November 7.
“It is also not denied that the wife of the accused will not be able to follow the normal daily routine after the operation and will be dependent on others for several days,” the court said.
While granting relief to Kumar, the court said that keeping in mind the threat perception by the witnesses and the safety and security of the accused himself, two security personnel will be present with him round the clock.
Since the deployment of two security personnel would entail additional expenses, the amount of ₹10,000 per day is directed to be borne by the accused, the court said.
The court asked Kumar to deposit the said amount in advance with the concerned jail superintendent and further directed him not to threaten prosecution witnesses, tamper with evidence and not commit any crime.
“The accused shares the current location of his phone on the request of the investigating officer and in case the court is prima facie brought to the notice that he is violating the said conditions, the interim bail granted to him will be subject to cancellation,” the court said.
Kumar, along with others, is accused of allegedly assaulting former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar and his friends Jai Bhagwan and Bhagat at the Chhatrasal Municipal Stadium parking lot on 4 May 2021 over an alleged property dispute.
Dhankad later succumbed to his injuries after which the athlete was arrested.
The court framed charges of criminal murder and criminal conspiracy against Kumar and 17 others on 12 October.