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Faridabad:  Haryana Police have registered a criminal case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj following allegations of sexual harassment levelled by a 17-year-old national-level shooter in Faridabad.

According to the FIR, the alleged incident occurred on December 16, 2025, shortly after the teenager competed in a national-level shooting event at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi.

The complainant alleged that Bharadwaj asked her to meet him at his hotel in the Surajkund area of Faridabad, citing the need to discuss and review her performance in the competition. As per the FIR, the coach initially suggested meeting in the hotel lobby but later persuaded the minor to come to his room, claiming that a more focused discussion was required.

It was inside the hotel room that the alleged sexual assault took place, the FIR states. The survivor further alleged that Bharadwaj threatened to ruin her sporting career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

Case Registered Under POCSO Act

Following a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, the Women Police Station NIT Faridabad registered a case under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Confirming the development, Faridabad Police Public Relations Officer Yashpal Yadav said that given the seriousness of the allegations, the hotel management has been directed to immediately hand over CCTV footage.

Senior police officials said multiple investigation teams have been constituted to collect forensic and electronic evidence, and statements of hotel staff and other potential witnesses are being recorded. The accused coach is expected to be questioned soon, officials added, as efforts continue to secure and preserve all relevant material evidence.

Federation Suspends Coach

Meanwhile, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) said it came to know about the allegations through media reports. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh said the federation has suspended Ankush Bharadwaj from all duties with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the police investigation.

The case has sent shockwaves through the shooting fraternity and renewed focus on athlete safety, safeguarding mechanisms and accountability within competitive sports, particularly involving minors.