Haryana Police have registered a case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old national-level female shooter at a hotel in Faridabad, according to a report by NDTV.
According to the FIR, the alleged assault occurred during a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, with Bharadwaj allegedly luring the athlete to a hotel room in Faridabad under the pretext of evaluating her performance.
HT report noted, citing the complaint that when the athlete went inside the room, the coach allegedly assaulted her. HT noted that she tried to resist but the coach did not stop.
The FIR also claims that the coach threatened to destroy her career and harm her family if she reported the incident.
“Looking at the seriousness of the case, we have already asked the hotel administration to share all the CCTV camera footage of the day of the incident immediately to corroborate the allegations of the minor girl,” Yashpal Yadav, public relations officer of Faridabad police, said, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case at the Women’s Police Station, NIT Faridabad, under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as the athlete was a minor at the time of the alleged incident.
Following the complaint, Bharadwaj has been suspended from all duties, according to a report by Mathurabhumi.
The complaint also indicates that another female shooter may have been subjected to similar misconduct by the same coach, a claim that is now being investigated, the report noted.
Help is available!
If you or someone is experiencing sexual abuse, there are multiple avenues to seek immediate help, legal support, and protection:
Police (Emergency Number): Dial 100 to report any immediate threat or crime.
Women’s Helpline: 1091 – connects directly to law enforcement support for women in distress.
2.For Children and Minors
Childline India (24×7, Toll-Free): 1098 – a dedicated helpline for children in distress, including sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act: Any child sexual abuse case can be reported at a local Police Station or a Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU). This law ensures swift action and protection for minors.
3. National-Level Support & Legal Assistance
National Commission for Women (NCW): Provides guidance, legal assistance, and redressal for complaints of sexual harassment or abuse.
Phone: 011-26942369 / 011-26944754
Key Takeaways
- Awareness of the POCSO Act and available legal protections for minors is crucial.
- There is a pressing need for a safe environment in sports to prevent abuse.
- Immediate reporting and intervention are vital in cases of sexual assault.
