The Indian sporting community is in shock following serious allegations against national-level shooting coach and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ankush Bharadwaj. Bharadwaj has been booked under Section 6 of the POCSO Act (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) and for criminal intimidation after a 17-year-old shooter accused him of assault during a competition in Delhi.
The Allegations
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred in December during a national competition held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. The victim, who has been training under Bharadwaj since last year, alleged that the coach lured her to a five-star hotel in Faridabad under the guise of a "performance evaluation."
The minor stated that while she was in his hotel room, Bharadwaj offered to "crack her back" before forcing her onto the bed. Despite her refusals, the coach allegedly proceeded with the assault and subsequently threatened to destroy her professional career if she disclosed the incident.
Investigation and Suspension
The matter came to light after the victim’s mother noticed her daughter's deteriorating mental health. After confessing the ordeal to her parents, a formal complaint was lodged. Consequently, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has officially suspended Bharadwaj pending a full internal inquiry.
Background of the Accused
Ankush Bharadwaj is a prominent figure in Indian shooting, having secured gold at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games. His career has previously faced controversy; he served a ban for doping in 2010 before returning to the sport and establishing a shooting academy in Mohali. Bharadwaj is also the husband of Indian Olympian Anjum Moudgil.
The case has reignited urgent conversations regarding the safety of minor athletes and the necessity for stricter safeguarding protocols within national sports federations.
