New Delhi, Jan 8: National shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj has been suspended after Haryana Police booked him on charges of allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old national-level female shooter at a hotel in Surajkund, Faridabad.

The action came following a detailed complaint filed by the athlete’s family.

In her statement, the young shooter alleged that Bharadwaj assaulted her during her stay at the hotel.

Police officials confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter.

Efforts are underway to record statements from witnesses and secure CCTV footage from the hotel premises to establish the sequence of events.

Authorities said the suspension of Bharadwaj was ordered to ensure transparency and allow the investigation to proceed without interference. The case has sparked widespread concern in the sporting community, with calls for stronger safeguards to protect athletes, especially minors, during training and competitions.

The incident has also raised questions about accountability and monitoring mechanisms within national sports bodies. Officials emphasized that strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven, reiterating their commitment to athlete safety.

 
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The FIR stated that the athlete was initially told to meet the coach in the lobby of the hotel, but later, she was pressured to go to the room under the pretext of a performance evaluation. It further alleged that the coach threatened to ruin her career and harm her family if the shooter told anyone about the incident.

The athlete reportedly left the hotel in a state of shock and later informed her family. The family then lodged an official complaint with the police.