Ankush Bharadwaj Booked by Haryana Police for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Teenage Shooter

Coach Ankush Bharadwaj Booked for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Teenage Shooter as Haryana Police Launch Probe

The Haryana Police have registered a criminal case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj following allegations of sexual harassment involving a 17-year-old national-level shooter in Faridabad. The case has triggered serious concern within India’s sporting community, with authorities treating the matter as a high-priority investigation.

According to police officials, the complaint was filed by the minor athlete’s mother, leading to the registration of a First Information Report at the Women Police Station in NIT Faridabad. The accused coach has been booked under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as the complainant was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, along with Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Allegations Detailed in the FIR

As per the FIR, the alleged incident took place on December 16, 2025, after the athlete competed in a national-level shooting event at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in south Delhi. The complaint states that coach Ankush Bharadwaj asked the teenage shooter to meet him at a hotel in the Surajkund area of Faridabad, claiming he wanted to review her performance from the ongoing competition.

The teenager reportedly agreed to meet him in the hotel lobby. However, upon her arrival, the coach allegedly pressured her to go up to his room, stating that a more focused discussion was required. It was there, according to the complaint, that the alleged sexual harassment took place.

The survivor further claimed that the coach threatened to sabotage her sporting career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident to anyone, adding a serious dimension of coercion to the allegations.

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Police Action and Investigation

Confirming the investigation, Faridabad Police public relations officer Yashpal Yadav stated that immediate steps had been taken to secure evidence. He said police have already asked the hotel administration to provide CCTV footage from the day of the incident to corroborate the allegations made by the minor.

Senior police officials have confirmed that multiple investigation teams have been formed to collect both forensic and electronic evidence. This includes examining CCTV recordings, analyzing call detail records, and verifying travel and accommodation details connected to the coach and the athlete during the competition period.

Investigators have also begun recording statements from hotel staff and other potential witnesses who were present at the premises at the time. Authorities have stressed that preserving evidence is a priority, given the seriousness of the allegations.

Sports Body Responds

The case has also prompted action from the country’s shooting administration. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh said that the federation became aware of the matter through media reports.

He stated that Ankush Bharadwaj has been suspended from all duties with immediate effect and will not be assigned any new responsibilities until the inquiry is completed. The move reflects growing institutional pressure on sports bodies to respond swiftly to allegations involving athlete safety.

Growing Concerns Over Athlete Protection

The case has reignited broader discussions about athlete safety, especially the protection of minors in competitive sports environments. Experts and advocates have repeatedly emphasized the power imbalance between coaches and young athletes, calling for stricter monitoring, transparent complaint mechanisms, and mandatory safeguarding protocols.

The invocation of the POCSO Act underscores the gravity with which such allegations are treated under Indian law. Convictions under the Act carry severe penalties, reflecting the zero-tolerance approach toward crimes involving minors.

Next Steps in the Case

Police officials have indicated that the accused coach is expected to be questioned soon as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have reiterated that the probe will be conducted thoroughly and impartially, with no individual receiving preferential treatment.

At this stage, the allegations against Ankush Bharadwaj remain under investigation, and legal proceedings will determine the outcome. Officials have urged restraint in speculation while assuring that the survivor’s complaint is being handled with sensitivity and seriousness.

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Conclusion

The booking of Ankush Bharadwaj for alleged sexual harassment of a teenage shooter marks a significant and troubling development in Indian sports. As investigations continue, the case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards, accountability, and trust within competitive sporting systems.

The coming days are expected to bring further clarity as evidence is reviewed and statements are recorded, with authorities signaling that all necessary legal steps will be taken to ensure justice.

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