Gurugram:  Police in Faridabad have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Ankush Bhardwaj, a national-level shooting coach  after a 17-year-old female shooter accused him of sexually assaulting her. Sports authorities have suspended the coach with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to police, the alleged incident occurred on December 16 at a hotel in Faridabad, a day after a shooting competition held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. The minor, who trains under the accused coach, told investigators that he contacted her after the event and asked her to meet him, claiming he wanted to discuss her performance.

Police said the girl met the coach in the hotel lobby, from where he allegedly persuaded her to accompany him to his room. Once inside, the coach allegedly made inappropriate advances and sexually assaulted her. The minor stated that she resisted and managed to leave the room. She further alleged that the coach later warned her against disclosing the incident, threatening to ruin her shooting career if she spoke out.

The victim returned home and continued her training but remained distressed for several days. She later confided in her mother, following which the family decided to approach the police. An FIR was registered on January 6 based on the complaint, and statements of the victim and her family members were recorded.

Police officials said they have initiated a detailed investigation, including verification of hotel records and other evidence. They added that further legal action will be taken as the probe progresses.

Meanwhile, the National Rifle Association of India confirmed that it has placed the coach under suspension following the complaint. The body said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and will cooperate fully with law-enforcement agencies.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over athlete safety and safeguarding mechanisms within competitive sports, especially for minors training under senior coaches.