Haryana Police have initiated legal action against a prominent national shooting coach following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor athlete. The case has sent shockwaves through the Indian sports community, highlighting urgent concerns about athlete safety.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to an FIR registered by the Faridabad police, the incident involves national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj and a 17-year-old national-level female shooter. The complaint states that the alleged assault took place at a hotel in Faridabad. The young athlete was reportedly lured to the hotel room by the coach under the false pretext of evaluating her performance, following a competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
As detailed in the complaint, once inside the room, the coach allegedly assaulted the minor. The athlete tried to resist his advances, but he did not stop. The FIR further claims that Bharadwaj threatened to destroy her career and harm her family if she dared to report the traumatic incident to anyone.
Police Investigation and Immediate Fallout
Law enforcement authorities are treating the case with utmost seriousness. Yashpal Yadav, the Public Relations Officer of Faridabad police, confirmed that they have urgently requested the hotel administration to provide all relevant CCTV camera footage from the day of the incident to corroborate the survivor's account.
Based on the minor's complaint, a formal case has been registered at the Women’s Police Station, NIT Faridabad. The charges have been framed under the stringent Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, given the victim's minor status.
In a swift administrative response, Ankush Bharadwaj has been suspended from all his duties. Disturbingly, reports suggest that the complaint hints at the possibility of another female shooter facing similar misconduct by the same coach, a claim that is now part of the expanding investigation.
A Call for Safety and Support in Sports
This alarming case underscores a pressing need for robust safeguarding mechanisms within sports ecosystems to protect young, vulnerable athletes from exploitation. It also reinforces the critical importance of immediate reporting and institutional accountability.
Help is available for survivors of sexual abuse:
- Police Emergency: Dial 100 for immediate threat.
- Women’s Helpline: 1091 for law enforcement support.
- Childline India: 1098 (24x7, toll-free) for children in distress.
- National Commission for Women (NCW): 011-26942369 / 011-26944754 for guidance and legal aid.
The POCSO Act ensures swift legal action for minors, and cases can be reported at any local police station or Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU).
