A major controversy has shaken Indian shooting sports after Haryana Police registered a case against national pistol coach Ankush Bharadwaj for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old national-level female shooter. The case has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Following the allegations, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) suspended the coach from all duties with immediate effect.
Alleged Assault During National-Level Competition
According to the complaint filed by the victim’s family, the incident occurred during a national-level shooting competition held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. The accused allegedly asked the minor athlete to come to his hotel room in Faridabad, citing the need for a performance review.
The family alleged that the coach sexually assaulted the minor inside the hotel room. The complaint further stated that Bharadwaj threatened to destroy the athlete’s career and defame her family if she revealed the incident.
FIR Registered Under POCSO Act
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR on Tuesday at the Mahila Police Station, NIT Faridabad. Officials confirmed that the case has been booked under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
Faridabad Police PRO Yashpal Yadav said investigators have sought CCTV footage from the hotel to verify the allegations. He added that the police have intensified the investigation due to the seriousness of the charges.
NRAI Suspends Coach Pending Probe
The issue came into the public domain after media reports highlighted the allegations. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh stated that the association has suspended Ankush Bharadwaj until the investigation concludes.
He clarified that the coach will not receive any new responsibilities during this period. The NRAI also assured cooperation with the investigating agencies.
More Allegations Surface
The victim reportedly mentioned in her complaint that another female shooter may have faced similar behavior from the same coach. Police officials said they are examining this claim as part of the ongoing probe.
The case has triggered widespread outrage in sports circles and renewed calls for stronger safeguards to protect minor athletes at national and international sporting events.
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