Maharashtra Wrestler Arrested in Punjab: Family and Politicians Rally for Support

The arrest of a popular wrestler from Maharashtra in Punjab has sparked a wave of support from his family and local politicians. Sikander Shaikh, a 26-year-old mud-wrestler known for his prowess in the dangal circuit, was arrested in Mohali along with two alleged gangsters from Uttar Pradesh. The police claim to have recovered five pistols, live cartridges, cash, and two vehicles during the operation.

According to Mohali police, Shaikh was arrested at Airport Chowk when he was allegedly purchasing weapons for a local network. Shaikh hails from Mohol in Solapur and has a lineage of wrestlers, with both his father and grandfather being notable in the sport. He won the Rustam-e-Hind Kesari title in 2024, five years after securing gold at the under-23 National Wrestling Championship in Shirdi.

Umesh Patil, the NCP’s Solapur district chief, who also comes from Mohol, expressed his doubts about the charges. He suggested that Shaikh might have been framed by local wrestlers due to sports rivalry. Patil highlighted Shaikh's substantial earnings from wrestling, stating that he earns between ₹4-5 crore annually from various competitions. “Why would he want to earn in this manner (from the alleged gun purchase) when he has earned so much already? He has received 14 vehicles as gifts besides other prize money,” Patil said.

Last year, the Punit Balan Group, a company involved in real estate and films, announced financial support of ₹15 lakh annually for three years for Shaikh. Patil further explained that Shaikh was staying temporarily in Mohali to participate in various events and competitions when he was allegedly asked by his roommates to deliver a parcel containing weapons.

Rohit Pawar, an NCP (SP) MLA, also expressed his concerns, stating that Shaikh had been framed. “He has carved a name for himself in the wrestling world. I don’t believe he would turn to crime at the height of his career. Maybe, some people tried to implicate him in the case because of his rapid success in wrestling,” Pawar said.

Shaikh’s father, Rashid Shaikh, is in “absolute shock” over his son's arrest. “The whole of Maharashtra loves him. We are heavily dependent on him. He has a son who is also dependent on him. He has claimed many state and national titles. I urge Punjab Police not to commit injustice on my son,” Rashid said. He emphasized that the family has been encouraging Shaikh to win the prestigious Hind Kesari title, considered the peak of dangal wrestling.

“Shaikh has defeated all the top wrestlers from Punjab, Haryana, and even Maharashtra. The Hind Kesari competition is coming up, and he has been misled and framed in the case,” Rashid added. The family and local politicians are hoping that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will intervene and take up the case with the Punjab government.

Despite the allegations, the community stands united in support of Shaikh, highlighting his achievements and the potential injustice he might be facing.