National Shooting Coach Booked for Rape of Minor Athlete

Faridabad: A senior shooting coach has been named in a criminal case after a national-level young athlete accused him of rape at a hotel in Faridabad last month. Police registered the case this week following a detailed complaint by the athlete’s family, officials said. 

What allegedly happened?

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident took place on December 16, a day after the girl competed in a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Academy in New Delhi. 

The coach, who is among the 13 national pistol coaches appointed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), had asked the athlete to meet him at a hotel in Surajkund to discuss her performance. 

Family members say she was told the talk would help improve her shooting. But once inside his hotel room, the coach allegedly sexually assaulted her. 

The FIR further states he threatened to ruin her sporting career and harm her family if she spoke about the incident. 

Shaken by what happened, the athlete left the hotel and later told her family. They then approached police with a complaint, leading to the FIR.

What are police doing now?

Faridabad police have launched an investigation. They say they have asked the hotel management for CCTV footage of the day to verify the girl’s account. Statements of witnesses and hotel staff are being recorded, and other evidence like call records is being collected.

“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. 

Police confirmed that the accused has not yet been detained or issued a notice. They have also not informed the NRAI, investigators said. 

What charges were filed?

The FIR was registered at the Women’s Police Station in NIT Faridabad. The coach has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, since the athlete was a minor at the time of the alleged offence. 

Why this matters

The case has raised fresh concerns about the safety of young athletes and the responsibilities of coaches at national competitions.