National Shooting Coach Ankush Bharadwaj Suspended after Alleged Sexual Assault to Minor, Probe launched under POCSO Act

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In a shocking event that has created ripples across the nation, India's shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj has been suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) following allegations of sexual assault by a 17-year-old female shooter.

The minor athlete accused him of assaulting her during a national-level shooting competition last month, leading to a police probe under child protection laws.

The incident allegedly occurred on December 16, 2025, at a hotel in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana, shortly after the event at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in South Delhi.

According to the FIR filed by the victim's mother, Bharadwaj lured the teenager to his room under the pretext of discussing her performance-initially suggesting a lobby meeting but insisting on his room. There, the assault reportedly took place. The survivor claimed he threatened to ruin her career and harm her family if she spoke out.

The FIR, registered at the Women Police Station in NIT Faridabad, invokes serious charges under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which pertains to aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a minor, as well as Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation.

Haryana Police has launched an investigation, collecting forensic evidence, CCTV footage, call records, and witness statements. The complaint also suggests another female shooter may have faced similar misconduct, which is under scrutiny.

Bharadwaj, from Ambala, Haryana, started shooting in 2005 and trained under Subhash Rana in Dehradun. He won multiple golds early on but faced a 2010 ban for doping. Returning in 2012, he contributed to a 2016 international team gold. Now a coach, he runs Salvo Shooting Range in Mohali and is married to Olympian Anjum Moudgil.

In response to the allegations, the NRAI acted swiftly by suspending Bharadwaj from all coaching duties. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh stated that the federation learned of the matter through media reports and has barred the coach from any new assignments pending a full inquiry.