Two-time Olympic medalist and former Indian wrestling star Sushil Kumar has embarked on a new path. After a prolonged period of judicial custody in connection with the Sagar Dhankhar murder case, he was recently granted bail, following which he formally resumed his duties with Northern Railway.
Sports News: India's two-time Olympic medalist and former wrestling star Sushil Kumar has returned to his duties with Northern Railway amidst murder charges. After receiving bail from the Delhi High Court, he reported for duty at the Northern Railway office earlier this week. His return has made headlines — because Sushil is still an accused in a high-profile murder case.
Murder Charges, Bail from Court
The case dates back to 2021, when Sushil Kumar was arrested for the alleged murder of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankhar at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium. After spending over two years in jail, the Delhi High Court recently granted him bail on the grounds of delays in the trial. However, it was clarified that the investigation is ongoing and the trial process is not yet complete.
What Position Has Sushil Been Reinstated To?
According to railway sources, Sushil Kumar is employed as a Senior Commercial Manager in Northern Railway. As per railway service rules, an employee cannot be suspended unless convicted by the court. Under this rule, Sushil Kumar was reinstated and he reported to the office in formal attire.
Public reaction to Sushil Kumar's return to work has been mixed: some believe that no one can be considered a criminal until the court's decision is reached. On the other hand, critics say that reinstating a person involved in serious charges like murder sends the wrong message, especially when the matter is related to public interest and morality.
One Twitter user wrote, "What kind of reinstatement is this? A young man died and the accused is back in the office!" While another user wrote, "According to the law, no one is a criminal until proven guilty. The reinstatement is correct."
From Champion to Accused: Sushil's Journey
Sushil Kumar brought glory to India by winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and a silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012. He gave wrestling a new identity in the country. But his career became embroiled in controversy when his name came up in the case of Sagar Dhankhar's death. The once-hero, whose posters were displayed in railway stations and stadiums, is now entangled in court dates and legal battles.
Although Sushil Kumar has returned to his work in a low-profile manner, his sports career is considered almost over. He has already been ousted from wrestling federations and Olympic committees, and questions are now being raised about his role in public interest institutions.
