National Shooting Coach Ankush Bharadwaj has been booked by Haryana Police for the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old national-level female shooter. An FIR was registered on January 7, 2026, at the Women's Police Station in NIT Faridabad, following a detailed complaint by the minor's family. The case has been filed under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the gravity of the allegations involving a minor.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred during a national-level shooting competition at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. The complaint alleges that Bharadwaj summoned the athlete to a hotel in Faridabad under the pretext of evaluating her performance. She was initially asked to meet him in the hotel lobby but was later pressured into going to his room. The FIR further claims that the coach threatened to derail her career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident. Distraught, the minor left the hotel and confided in her family, who then approached the police.

Faridabad police have launched a thorough investigation, with efforts underway to record witness statements and secure CCTV footage from the hotel. Public Relations Officer Yashpal Yadav stated that the hotel administration has been directed to provide all relevant camera recordings from the day of the alleged assault to corroborate the survivor's account. Reports also indicate that the athlete mentioned another female shooter who had allegedly experienced similar behavior from the same coach.

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The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which appointed Bharadwaj as one of its 13 national pistol coaches, has suspended him pending inquiry. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh confirmed the decision, stating that Bharadwaj will not be assigned any new duties until the matter is resolved. The suspension follows media reports of the allegations, highlighting the organization's response to the seriousness of the case.

The incident has sent shockwaves through India's shooting community, raising serious concerns about athlete safety, particularly minors, in national training environments. Authorities continue their probe as the case draws attention to the need for robust safeguards and accountability in sports federations. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by athletes, parents, and sports bodies across the country.

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