Delhi High Court Grants Interim Bail to Accused in Sagar Dhankhar Murder Case on Medical Grounds

 

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Background of the Case

The Delhi High Court has granted two-week interim bail to Praveen Dabas, one of the accused in the 2021 murder of minor wrestler Sagar Dhankhar. This case, which also includes Olympian wrestler Sushil Kumar as a co-accused, stems from an FIR registered at Model Town Police Station in Delhi.

The bail was granted by Justice Sanjeev Narula on July 17, primarily on humanitarian and medical grounds, after assessing Dabas's deteriorating health condition.

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Medical Grounds for Bail

Justice Narula’s decision came after a detailed review of medical documents, as well as arguments from both sides. The Jail Superintendent’s medical report dated June 18, 2024, highlighted that:

• Praveen Dabas suffers from chronic kidney disease and other associated complications.

• He has a long-standing case of asthma (post-Anti Tubercular Treatment), causing continuous breathing issues and shortness of breath.

• Despite regular consultations with a nephrologist at Safdarjung Hospital, his condition continues to worsen, affecting his ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

The Chief Medical Officer-in-Charge confirmed that Dabas’s treatment inside the jail was inadequate for his condition, strengthening the grounds for interim bail.

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Previous Court Directions on Medical Care

On June 2, 2024, the Delhi High Court had directed jail authorities to ensure proper and regular medical treatment for Dabas, including:

• An MRI scan, based on the May 31 report.

• Timely treatment from the Orthopaedic Department of Dr. BSA Hospital and the Neurology Department of GB Pant Hospital.

Despite these directions, Dabas’s legal counsel, Advocate Sumeet Shokeen, argued that proper and comprehensive care was still not being administered and surgical intervention might be necessary — something jail authorities were allegedly ill-equipped to provide.

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Court's Ruling and Conditions for Release

Justice Narula ordered that Praveen Dabas be released on interim bail for two weeks, with the following conditions:

• Bail bond of ₹25,000 with two sureties of the same amount.

• Release intended solely for external medical treatment not available in jail.

The court took into account the humanitarian aspect of the case, clarifying that the release was not a reflection on the merits of the murder charges but rather an urgent response to health concerns.

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Opposition to Bail

The bail application faced strong opposition from:

• The State, which argued that the jail was adequately equipped to manage Dabas’s health.

• Joshini Tuli, counsel for the father of the deceased Sagar Dhankhar, who also contested the necessity of releasing Dabas, citing potential risks and justice concerns.

Nevertheless, the court ruled in favour of temporary release, clearly stating that the interim bail was granted purely on medical and humanitarian grounds.

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Conclusion

This interim relief for an accused in a high-profile murder case underscores the judiciary’s balanced approach between health rights of prisoners and the interests of justice. The case will be closely watched as it proceeds, with public interest remaining high due to the involvement of well-known figures from India’s wrestling community.

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