Police in Varanasi have arrested a cricket coach on serious charges of sexually assaulting teenage boys who were under his training. The accused allegedly exploited his position of trust, luring young trainees with promises of free coaching and selections in various teams.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
The Bhelupur police took swift action, arresting the coach identified as Murarilal alias Gautam (45) within 24 hours of the First Information Report (FIR) being registered on Friday. The case came to light after a 14-year-old boy, suffering from health complications due to the assault, confided in his parents on Thursday. When the parents reached out to other families, a 15-year-old boy came forward with a similar complaint, leading to the police report.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Gaurav Kumar stated that during initial interrogation, the accused confessed to victimising a large number of boys in the past. Shockingly, it was revealed that Murarilal had a prior history, having been jailed in a similar case registered with the Lanka police in 2021.
Modus Operandi and Background of the Accused
The accused coach operated centres on the campus of an educational institution and another in the Seer Gowardhanpur area. He specifically targeted adolescent boys, offering them free coaching and assurances of selection at different competitive levels to gain their trust.
Investigation uncovered that Murarilal, originally from the Miraban area under Jansa police station, moved to Seer Gowardhanpur after selling his share of parental property in 2016 following his parents' death. It was here that he set up his cricket coaching business. The extent of his own cricket career and how he entered the coaching profession remains unclear.
Public Confession and Ongoing Investigation
Presented before the media on Saturday, the accused broke down, falling to his knees repeatedly and crying that he did not wish to live anymore. Despite this dramatic display, the police are proceeding with a thorough investigation. ACP Gaurav Kumar confirmed that further probes are underway to uncover the full extent of his crimes and identify all victims.
This distressing incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising serious questions about the safety of children in sports coaching environments. The police have assured the public that the law will take its strictest course.
