Faridabad: Haryana Police have registered a criminal case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj after a 17-year-old shooter accused him of sexual misconduct in Faridabad. The case was lodged following a complaint submitted by the athlete’s mother, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the complaint, the alleged incident occurred on December 16, 2025, shortly after the teenager competed in a national-level shooting event held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi. The young athlete claimed that Bharadwaj contacted her after the competition and asked her to meet him in the Surajkund area of Faridabad, saying he wanted to discuss her performance.
The FIR states that the coach initially suggested meeting in the hotel lobby but later convinced the minor to come to his room, arguing that a private and uninterrupted discussion was necessary. It was during this meeting that the alleged assault took place. The complainant further told police that she was threatened with serious consequences, including damage to her sports career and harm to her family, if she revealed what had happened.
Based on the complaint, the Women Police Station at NIT Faridabad registered the case under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police officials said immediate steps have been taken to secure evidence. The hotel management has been instructed to hand over CCTV footage, and multiple investigation teams have been formed to collect electronic and forensic material. Statements of hotel staff and other individuals who may have relevant information are also being recorded.
Authorities indicated that the accused coach will be summoned for questioning as the investigation progresses, and efforts are being made to ensure that all evidence is preserved.
In response to the allegations, the National Rifle Association of India said it became aware of the matter through media reports and has suspended Ankush Bharadwaj from all coaching responsibilities until the inquiry is completed.
