Father of Maharashtra Kesari Champion Wrestler Claims Son Was Framed by Punjab Police
The father of Maharashtra Kesari champion wrestler Sikandar Sheikh claims that his son has been falsely implicated in an Arms Act case by Punjab Police. Sheikh, who trains at Gangavesh Talim in Kolhapur, has a promising career ahead and his father is fighting to clear his name.
Sikandar SheikhMaharashtra KesariPunjab PoliceArms ActWrestlingReal Estate PuneNov 01, 2025
Sikandar, who trains at Gangavesh Talim in Kolhapur, had earlier secured a job in the Indian Army under the sports quota but later resigned to focus on wrestling. He rose to prominence during the 2023 Maharashtra Kesari tournament in Pune for protesting a referee’s decision and went on to win the title in 2024.
In 2024, Sikandar became the fourth wrestler from Maharashtra to win the Rustam-E-Hind title in Jandla village, Punjab. The 24-year-old had expressed his ambition to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games.
Rashid Sheikh, father of Sikander and a resident of Mohol in Solapur district, said he had worked as a porter for years to support Sikandar’s wrestling career and that his son could “never be involved in anything illegal.”
“My son has worked hard to reach this level in wrestling. We come from a humble background. He would never do anything unlawful,” said Rashid.
He said the family has not yet received any official communication from the Punjab Police regarding the arrest. Sikandar, he added, had been living in Punjab for several months to train under wrestling experts and coach his students.
According to Rashid, Sikandar is the family’s sole breadwinner and supports both his father and elder brother. “He was preparing for the Hind Kesari tournament and wanted to continue wrestling for the next few years. Those who wanted to stop his progress have framed him in this false case,” he said.
Police in Mohali have arrested four men, including Sheikh and a Rajasthan-based gangster, and recovered five illegal pistols, live cartridges, and ₹1.99 lakh in cash. The seized weapons include four .32-bore pistols and one .45-bore pistol, along with two SUVs.
According to police, the arrests were made following a tip-off on October 24 near the Kharar–Mullanpur Road. Officers intercepted a car and apprehended Danveer and Banti of Mathura, along with Sikandar. The fourth accused, Krishan alias Happy Gujjar of Nayagaon, was arrested two days later.
Police said Danveer is a member of the Papla Gujjar gang and has multiple cases of murder, dacoity, and Arms Act violations registered in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Krishan too faces assault charges.
Rohit Pawar, NCP (SP) MLA, said, there are chances that Sheikh may have been falsely implicated by someone looking at his progress.
“The Maharashtra government should talk to the Punjab government and take care that no injustice is done to Sikandar. Efforts are underway in this context to talk to the Punjab government through MP Supriya Sule, and we believe that a positive outcome will emerge from this,” said Pawar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sikandar Sheikh?
Sikandar Sheikh is a champion wrestler from Maharashtra who trains at Gangavesh Talim in Kolhapur. He won the Maharashtra Kesari title in 2024 and has ambitions to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games.
What did Sikandar Sheikh do before becoming a full-time wrestler?
Before becoming a full-time wrestler, Sikandar Sheikh had a job in the Indian Army under the sports quota but resigned to focus on his wrestling career.
Why does Sikandar Sheikh's father believe he was framed?
Sikandar Sheikh's father, Rashid Sheikh, believes his son was framed because of his promising career in wrestling. He claims his son has worked hard to achieve his success and would never be involved in anything illegal.
What did the Punjab Police find during the arrest?
The Punjab Police arrested Sikandar Sheikh and three others, recovering five illegal pistols, live cartridges, and ₹1.99 lakh in cash. The seized weapons include four .32-bore pistols and one .45-bore pistol, along with two SUVs.
What is the political response to Sikandar Sheikh's arrest?
Rohit Pawar, NCP (SP) MLA, has called for the Maharashtra government to intervene and ensure no injustice is done to Sikandar Sheikh. Efforts are underway to discuss the matter with the Punjab government through MP Supriya Sule.
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