Indian police have arrested a national shooting coach after a teenage athlete accused him of rape, according to media reports. The case has shocked India’s sporting community and raised fresh concerns about athlete safety.
The accused coach, Ankush Bhardwaj, worked as a national-level shooting coach. The complainant is a 17-year-old national shooter who trained under him.
Authorities said the alleged incident occurred during an official shooting event in New Delhi.
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Allegations Linked to Official Sports Event
Indian media reports state that the young shooter accused Bhardwaj of raping her during a performance evaluation session. Officials held the evaluation in connection with a shooting event in the capital.
The athlete claimed that the assault took place inside a hotel room provided for participants. Her family later submitted a detailed complaint to the police, describing the alleged incident.
Bhardwaj has denied the accusations. Police, however, emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Haryana Police arrested the coach after registering a formal case under laws addressing sexual assault of minors. Officers immediately started collecting evidence and recording statements from the athlete and other witnesses.
Faridabad police requested CCTV footage from the hotel to verify timelines and movements. Investigators are examining both digital and physical evidence to clarify the events.
Role of the Athlete’s Family
Media reports highlighted the critical role of the athlete’s family in bringing the case forward. They provided detailed information and supporting evidence to the authorities.
Indian law requires special attention in cases involving minors. Police must handle these investigations carefully and maintain confidentiality to protect survivors.
Sports Authorities Suspend the Coach
After the allegations surfaced, the shooting association suspended Bhardwaj from his duties and started its internal inquiry. Officials confirmed that the suspension will remain until the investigation concludes.
The association emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to abuse and pledged full cooperation with the police. In India, sports bodies often conduct parallel disciplinary investigations that can result in permanent bans if the allegations are verified.
Broader Concerns About Athlete Safety
The case underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of young athletes in India. Many minors travel extensively for competitions and training camps, which increases their vulnerability.
Experts have warned about the power imbalance between coaches and young players. Authorities have guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in sports, but implementation remains inconsistent across states and disciplines.
High-profile cases in recent years have prompted sports bodies to introduce stricter safeguarding measures, such as mandatory background checks and reporting mechanisms.
Legal Context in India
India enforces strict laws on sexual assault, especially involving minors. Convictions carry severe penalties, including long prison terms.
Police must conduct investigations swiftly and sensitively. Courts often hold in-camera trials to protect survivors’ identities. Activists note that reporting rates have improved, but fear and social pressure still deter many victims from coming forward.
What Happens Next
Authorities said they may arrest additional suspects if new evidence emerges. Bhardwaj will face a court hearing as part of the legal process.
The shooting association will continue its internal inquiry alongside the criminal case. Its findings could influence future policies and procedures in Indian sports.
For now, public attention remains focused on the investigation and delivering justice for the young athlete.
