NRAI Suspends Shooting Coach After POCSO Case Filed Over Alleged Assault of Minor Athlete
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has suspended a national-level shooting coach after Haryana Police registered a criminal case accusing him of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old national-level shooter during a competition-related stay in Faridabad last month.
The decision came late Wednesday, hours after the registration of a first information report (FIR). Confirming the action, NRAI secretary general Pawan Kumar Singh said the federation acted immediately after learning about the case.
He clarified that the coach will remain suspended from all responsibilities until the inquiry concludes and will not receive any new assignments during this period. National shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj has been booked by Haryana police.
FIR Registered Under POCSO and BNS
Haryana Police registered the FIR on Tuesday at the Women’s Police Station in NIT Faridabad based on a detailed complaint filed by the athlete’s family. Police officials confirmed that the shooter was a minor at the time of the alleged incident.
Authorities booked the coach under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deals with aggravated sexual assault, and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Both provisions carry stringent penalties, reflecting the seriousness of the charges.
According to police, investigators have begun collecting evidence and recording statements to establish the sequence of events that allegedly took place during the competition stay.
What the Family Alleged
The FIR outlines disturbing details shared by the athlete’s family. The complaint states that the shooter had initially been asked to wait in the hotel lobby.
Later, the coach allegedly persuaded her to come to his room, claiming that a more focused discussion about training and performance was necessary.
Once inside the room, the coach allegedly sexually assaulted the teenager despite her resistance, the complaint says.
The family further alleged that the coach threatened the athlete, warning her that he would destroy her sporting career and harm her family if she spoke about the incident.
Police officials said the athlete left the hotel in a visibly distressed condition and informed her family soon after. The family then approached the authorities, leading to the registration of the FIR.
NRAI Initiates Internal Action
Following the police action, NRAI said it initiated internal proceedings in line with its code of conduct. The federation emphasized that it follows a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of sexual misconduct, especially cases involving minors.
Officials stressed that the suspension does not prejudice the outcome of the investigation but ensures that the accused coach remains away from athletes while legal and internal processes continue.
The federation also said it will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and provide all required information during the investigation.
Case Sparks Fresh Concerns
The case has once again raised concerns about athlete safety, particularly for minors competing at national and international levels.
Sports administrators and athlete welfare advocates have repeatedly called for stronger monitoring mechanisms, clear reporting channels, and strict enforcement of safeguarding policies.
Many within the sporting community believe that fear of career damage often discourages young athletes from reporting abuse.
The current case highlights the importance of institutional support systems that allow athletes and their families to come forward without intimidation.
As the investigation progresses, both the police inquiry and the NRAI’s internal review will determine the next course of action.
For now, the suspension sends a strong message that allegations of this nature will trigger immediate accountability measures.
ALSO READ: UGC Orders Probe Into Dharamshala College Student’s Death Amid Ragging Allegations
