A national shooting coach, Ankush Bharadwaj, has been suspended after a 17-year-old national-level female shooter accused him of sexual assault. The complaint alleges that the incident occurred in December during a national shooting competition, when the coach reportedly called the minor to a hotel room under the pretext of discussing her performance and then assaulted her.
Following the complaint, Haryana Police registered an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of criminal law. The FIR also mentions alleged threats made to the athlete, warning her against speaking out and claiming her career would be harmed if she disclosed the incident. Police are examining CCTV footage and recording statements as part of the investigation.
In response, the National Rifle Association of India immediately suspended the coach from all duties and issued a show-cause notice, stating that he will remain barred from coaching until the probe is completed. The case has drawn strong reactions within the sports community, renewing calls for stricter safeguards to protect minors in competitive sports.
