National shooting coach suspended for allegedly sexually harassing minor athlete, Haryana Women Commission takes cognisance
According to the FIR, the incident unfolded on December 16, 2025 after the athlete participated in a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi.
PTC News Desk: The Haryana Police has registered a case against a national shooting coach, Ankush Bharadwaj for allegedly sexually harassing a minor athlete in Faridabad.
According to the FIR, the incident unfolded on December 16, 2025 after the athlete participated in a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi. The coach was staying at a hotel in Faridabad's Surajkund area allegedly lured her into the hotel lobby after the competition under the pretext of evaluating her performance.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) while confirming the development said that the coach was immediately suspended following registration of FIR.
"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, " said NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia.
The FIR alleges the coach later persuaded the teen to come to his room, claiming that a focused discussion was required. It is there that the alleged assault took place. The complainant further alleged that the accused coach also threatened to sabotage her sporting career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident.
Meanwhile, Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) on Thursday took cognisance of the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old national-level shooter by her coach at a hotel in Faridabad in December last year during a championship.
Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the commission has writter a letter to Haryana Police Commissioner, requesting rigirous investigation into the matter by a adedicated team. The commission has also sought status report of the FIR.
"I am directed to convey the directions of the Hon'ble Chairperson, Haryana State Commission for Women, Haryana, regarding the subject cited above. In this connection, you are requested to kindly appoint a dedicated police officer to look into the matter pertaining to FIR No. 0003 dated 06.01.2026, registered at Women Police Station, NIT Faridabad.