NRAI Suspends National Shooting Coach After Minor Athlete Alleges Sexual Assault

New Delhi: India’s top shooting federation, has taken swift action after serious allegations surfaced against a national coach. Ankush Bharadwaj, a senior pistol coach, was suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Thursday after a 17-year-old shooter accused him of sexual assault during a national event.

What happened?

The complaint says the alleged incident took place on December 16 at a hotel in Faridabad shortly after a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Academy in New Delhi.

According to the FIR filed by the girl’s family with the Women’s Police Station in NIT Faridabad, Bharadwaj called the teenager to the hotel in Surajkund under the pretext of reviewing her performance. He then allegedly pressured her to come to his room, where the assault took place.

The minor told police she resisted, but was reportedly threatened with damage to her sporting career and harm to her family if she spoke about what happened.

Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 

Why did the NRAI act?

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed the suspension, saying it took the step on moral grounds while the investigation continues. 

The federation said Bharadwaj will not be associated with any coaching duties until the inquiry is complete. A show-cause notice has also been issued. 

"NRAI has suspended him and we will issue a show-cause notice. He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity,"  NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia told PTI.

Who is Ankush Bharadwaj?

Bharadwaj is a former national pistol shooter with a long association in Indian shooting. He has previously served as one of the 13 pistol coaches selected by the NRAI and has coached at national-level events. 

What's next in the case?

Police are collecting evidence, including hotel CCTV footage and witness statements. Bharadwaj is expected to be questioned as part of the probe. Investigators said all leads will be followed to ensure a thorough and fair inquiry under child-protection laws. 

“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.