India, Nov. 6 -- The story of Maharashtra Kesari winner Sikandar Sheikh, until recently hailed as one of the brightest stars in Indian wrestling, has taken a dramatic turn. Days before he was to compete for the prestigious Hind Kesari title scheduled later this month in Satara, Sheikh was arrested by the Punjab Police in an illegal arms case. His bail on Tuesday by a local court in Mohali has brought temporary relief, but the controversy surrounding him shows no signs of abating.

According to Punjab Police officers HT spoke to, Sheikh allegedly procured firearms from a member of the Papla Gurjar gang-- a notorious criminal network with roots across Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Investigators claim Sheikh arranged the firearm through an...