Who is Ankush Bharadwaj? All about the National Shooting Coach Suspended over alleged sexual assault of ‘minor’ shooter
It’s always a tough day when we have to shift focus from the scores and the glory of sport to something as disturbing as this. The latest reports coming out of Haryana are honestly gut-wrenching, involving national pistol coach Ankush Bharadwaj and a very serious case of alleged sexual assault.
The Haryana Police have officially booked Bharadwaj after a 17-year-old national-level shooter and her family came forward with a detailed complaint. It’s the kind of news that sends a chill through the entire sporting community, especially when it involves a minor and someone in a position of trust.
The Details of the Allegations
The incident reportedly went down on December 16, right after a competition at the Karni Singh Shooting Academy in Delhi. According to the FIR, Bharadwaj asked the young athlete to meet him at a hotel in Surajkund, Faridabad, ostensibly to “review her performance.”
What was supposed to be a professional chat in the lobby allegedly turned into a nightmare. The complaint states she was pressured into going to his room for a “focused discussion,” where the assault occurred. To make matters even more sinister, he allegedly threatened to ruin her career and harm her family if she ever spoke up. It’s heart-wrenching to think what she must’ve been going through before finally telling her family on New Year’s Day.
Who is Ankush Bharadwaj?
Bharadwaj wasn’t just any coach, he was a prominent figure. He’s a former pistol shooter himself (though he did serve a doping ban back in 2010) and was one of the 13 elite experts appointed by the NRAI to mentor India’s top talent. He had a massive responsibility in shaping the next generation of shooters, which only makes these allegations more staggering.
Where Things Stand Now
The police aren’t wasting any time. An FIR has been filed under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). They’ve already moved to secure CCTV footage from the hotel to back up the timeline.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has acted quickly, too, suspending Bharadwaj from all roles immediately. Their secretary general made it clear that he won’t be getting any new assignments while this investigation is active. It’s a dark cloud over Indian shooting, but the priority right now has to be justice for the athlete and ensuring that sports remains a safe space for everyone.