My family life, career at stake: Rajput

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 21

At the Karni Singh shooting range, two-time Olympian Sanjeev Rajput sat quietly in one of the corners of the 50m rifle hall in his shooting attire, staring at the target at some distance. There was uneasy calm inside the hall, as the Haryana rifle shooter from Jagadhiri in Yamunanagar district was the only marksman present. The bullet shells were scattered around him on the floor, while his newly-acquired rifle was yet to be assembled for another round of training.

The scene of disorder resembled the upheaval Rajput has endured both in his personal and professional life over the past few months. A Commonwealth Games silver medallist and an Arjuna awardee, Rajput has been accused of physically exploiting a national-level shooter for over two years after allegedly reneging on his promise to marry her. Rajput, who was charged with rape on December 4 after the victim accused him of spiking her drink with sedatives in the FIR, has been fighting a legal battle in Delhi to prove his innocence.

“I am shaken and completely devastated. My family life and shooting career is at stake. The whole episode has left me traumatised as I am not the kind of person who would commit such a crime,” said Rajput, breaking his silence for the first time on the issue.

“I am a 36-year-old man with a family to look after and a promising career to pursue. I am not this amateurish to indulge in such kind of a cowardly act. I have full faith in the judiciary. The trial will begin shortly. I am out on regular bails as per natural justice to compete in shooting competitions. My conscience is clear,” Rajput added.

Rajput is in the national capital to compete in the ISSF World Cup in the 10m air rifle and the 50m rifle 3 positions. But, Rajput’s mind is distracted.

“It’s been a real struggle ever since the case was filed. Nobody should go through it. My family life is disturbed, so how can you expect me to concentrate fully on this event? My fellow shooters and NRAI have been supportive of my participation in this hour of crisis, but then it’s very difficult to keep those negative vibes away. I am trying my best to deliver a medal-winning performance at the World Cup. I know I haven’t done anything wrong. I am not guilty,” said Rajput, a three-time Asian Games and two-time CWG medallist.