New Delhi:
The Delhi Police arrested Sushil Kumar, a two-time Olympic wrestler from India, this morning for suspected involvement in the murder of a fellow wrestler.
Sushil Kumar and a co-accused were arrested in the Mundka area of the national capital.
"A team of Special Cell SR led by Inspector Shivkumar, Inspector Karambir and supervised by ACP Attar Singh has arrested Sushil Kumar and Ajay from Mundka area of Delhi in connection with the killing of 23-year-old Sagar Rana at Chhatrasal Stadium. Wrestler Sushil Kumar has been arrested by a team of Special Cell," according to news agency ANI, Special CP-Special Cell Neeraj Thakur said.
Sushil Kumar was being sought by police for his alleged role in the death of a 23-year-old wrestler at a Delhi stadium. So far, the Olympian was absconding from the police.
Sushil Kumar and his associates allegedly assaulted fellow wrestler Sagar Rana, 23, and two friends on May 4 at the national capital's Chhatrasal Stadium, according to police. The three had to be admitted to the hospital. Mr Rana died as a result of his injuries.
In addition to Sushil Kumar and Ajay, Prince Dalal, Sonu, Sagar, Amit, and others have been named in connection with the murder case. A non-bailable warrant has been issued against them.
Sushil Kumar, who has been evading arrest since the incident on May 4, had a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh declared by Delhi Police last week.
To detain the champion wrestler, police have raided several locations in Delhi and its surrounding cities, as well as neighbouring states.
According to news agency PTI, Sushil Kumar had approached the Rohini court seeking immunity from detention, arguing that the investigation against him was biassed and that he was not responsible for any injuries caused to the victim.
The Public Prosecutor had asked the court to deny his appeal, claiming that electronic evidence had been discovered against him. He also said that the wrestler was at risk of fleeing.
Sushil Kumar's lawyer argued that detention was unnecessary because the police had recovered everything, including the car, firearm, and stick.
Sushil Kumar, a national hero, represented India in the Olympics twice, winning bronze in Beijing in 2008 and silver in London in 2012.