In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the wrestling community, Punjab Police arrested Maharashtra Kesari champion wrestler Sikandar Sheikh in connection with an Arms Act case. The 24-year-old athlete, who has been training in Punjab for several months, is currently in custody, while his family in Maharashtra insists that he has been falsely implicated.

Sikandar, who hails from Mohol in Solapur district, has risen to prominence in Indian wrestling over the past few years. He trains at the Gangavesh Talim in Kolhapur, one of the region’s most respected wrestling gyms, and has been known for his discipline, dedication, and achievements in the sport. He had earlier secured a job in the Indian Army under the sports quota but later resigned to focus exclusively on his wrestling career.

The wrestler first gained wide attention during the 2023 Maharashtra Kesari tournament in Pune, when he protested a referee’s decision. Despite the controversy, he went on to win the prestigious title in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the state’s most talented wrestlers. Later that year, he became the fourth wrestler from Maharashtra to win the Rustam-E-Hind title in Jandla village, Punjab, and had expressed ambitions of representing India at the 2026 Asian Games.

Speaking to the press following his son’s arrest, Rashid Sheikh, Sikandar’s father, strongly denied any wrongdoing. “My son has worked hard to reach this level in wrestling. We come from a humble background, and he would never do anything unlawful,” he said. Rashid, who has worked as a porter for years to support Sikandar’s wrestling aspirations, added that the family has not yet received any official communication from the Punjab Police regarding the arrest.

According to Rashid, Sikandar had been living in Punjab for several months to train under wrestling experts and coach his students. He is the family’s sole breadwinner, supporting both his father and elder brother, and was preparing for the upcoming Hind Kesari tournament. “Those who wanted to stop his progress have framed him in this false case,” Rashid asserted, emphasizing his son’s dedication to the sport and clean record.

Punjab Police, however, allege that Sheikh was apprehended along with three other men, including a Rajasthan-based gangster, in possession of illegal firearms and cash. The seizure reportedly included five pistols, live cartridges, and ₹1.99 lakh in cash. Specifically, authorities recovered four .32-bore pistols and one .45-bore pistol, along with two SUVs linked to the accused.

The arrests took place following a tip-off on October 24 near the Kharar–Mullanpur Road. Police intercepted a car and apprehended Danveer and Banti from Mathura, along with Sheikh. The fourth accused, Krishan alias Happy Gujjar of Nayagaon, was arrested two days later. Authorities claim that Danveer is a member of the Papla Gujjar gang, with multiple cases of murder, dacoity, and Arms Act violations registered in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Krishan reportedly also has assault charges pending.

Despite the police narrative, family members, wrestling peers, and local politicians have voiced concerns that Sheikh may have been wrongly implicated. Rashid Sheikh maintains that Sikandar’s focus has always been on wrestling and training, not criminal activity. “He has been living in Punjab for training purposes. We cannot understand how he has been linked to this case,” he said.

Rohit Pawar, NCP (SP) MLA, weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the young wrestler may have been targeted due to his rising prominence in the sport. “There are chances that Sheikh may have been falsely implicated by someone looking at his progress,” Pawar said. He added that efforts are underway to ensure that the Maharashtra government communicates with the Punjab authorities to safeguard Sikandar’s rights and prevent any miscarriage of justice. Pawar further stated that MP Supriya Sule is being engaged in discussions with the Punjab government to secure a positive outcome.

The incident has ignited widespread concern among the wrestling fraternity in Maharashtra, many of whom regard Sikandar as a disciplined and promising athlete. Peers and mentors from Gangavesh Talim expressed shock at the arrest, emphasizing that his focus had always been on training, competitions, and mentoring younger wrestlers. Several local coaches highlighted that Sheikh’s achievements, including Maharashtra Kesari and Rustam-E-Hind titles, are a testament to his dedication and sportsmanship.

Legal experts analyzing the case suggest that if Sheikh is indeed wrongly implicated, swift intervention from the Maharashtra government and senior politicians could play a crucial role in ensuring justice. “High-profile arrests involving individuals with public visibility and legitimate professional engagement often require careful scrutiny to prevent wrongful charges,” said one legal analyst. “Cross-state coordination between law enforcement agencies is critical in such cases.”

The wrestling community has also expressed concern about the potential impact of the arrest on Sheikh’s career. With ambitions to compete at the 2026 Asian Games, the young wrestler faces uncertainty that could disrupt his training schedule and affect his performance in national and international tournaments. Coaches and peers have appealed for prompt clarification of his legal status so that he can continue his sporting career without hindrance.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have maintained that the arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into illegal arms possession. They have cited the recovered pistols and cash as evidence linking the accused to criminal activity. Officials in Mohali stated that formal charges are being prepared against all four individuals and that the investigation will continue to establish the full scope of the alleged operation.

This case highlights the challenges faced by young athletes balancing professional ambitions with personal safety and legal vulnerabilities. It also underscores the potential for individuals with rising public profiles to be caught in legal or political crossfires. For Sikandar Sheikh, a wrestler who has achieved national recognition through discipline and perseverance, the current situation represents a significant personal and professional challenge.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities from both Maharashtra and Punjab are expected to coordinate closely to ensure a fair and transparent legal process. The role of political intervention, legal counsel, and media scrutiny may prove decisive in safeguarding the rights of the accused while maintaining the integrity of the criminal investigation.

For now, the focus remains on clarifying the circumstances of Sheikh’s arrest, verifying evidence, and ensuring that the young wrestler’s career and personal life are not unfairly jeopardized. With strong support from his family, mentors, and political representatives, Sikandar Sheikh’s case is likely to remain under public scrutiny in the coming weeks, highlighting broader concerns about the treatment of athletes and young professionals in high-profile legal matters.