Faridabad Court Denies Bail to Shooting Coach in Minor Sexual Assault Case
A fast-track court in Faridabad has delivered a significant ruling by rejecting the anticipatory bail plea of shooting coach Ankush Bhardwaj, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The decision underscores the judiciary's firm stance on cases involving crimes against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Court Proceedings and Legal Details
Additional District and Sessions Judge Abhishek Phutela, presiding over the special POCSO court, dismissed the bail application earlier this week. The court's rejection came after careful consideration of the serious nature of the allegations, which include aggravated penetrative sexual assault under Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
The case was registered on January 6, with the Faridabad police filing an FIR that also incorporates Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation. According to police sources, the complainant alleged that the incident occurred on December 16, following the minor's participation in a national competition.
Background of the Accused and Investigation
Ankush Bhardwaj, a 33-year-old former shooter, operates a shooting academy in Mohali. In response to the allegations, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) suspended him in January, as confirmed by Secretary Rajiv Bhatia. The police have conducted raids at his academy and residences in Ambala and Chandigarh as part of their ongoing investigation.
Bhardwaj is currently absconding, adding complexity to the legal proceedings. The allegations detail that he forcibly touched the minor inappropriately and committed sexual assault despite her resistance. Furthermore, the complaint states that he threatened to ruin her shooting career if she disclosed the matter to anyone.
Impact on the Victim and Family
The minor's parents have expressed profound distress in a joint statement, describing themselves as "deeply traumatised" and focused on their daughter's health and recovery. They emphasized their hope that no other family would endure a similar ordeal, stating, "As parents, we do not want anyone else to suffer the same fate."
This case highlights the vulnerabilities within sports coaching environments and the critical need for robust child protection measures. The court's decision to deny bail reflects a broader commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual offenses, particularly minors, under India's stringent POCSO laws.
