Ankush Bharadwaj, national shooting coach, booked by Haryana Police for 'sexually harassing' minor athlete
According to the FIR, the incident took place on December 16, 2025, after the athlete participated in a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi
Haryana Police have registered a case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj following allegations of sexual harassment by a 17-year-old national-level shooter in Faridabad.
According to the FIR, the incident took place on December 16, 2025, after the athlete participated in a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi.
The complainant alleged that Bharadwaj asked her to meet him at his hotel in Surajkund area of Faridabad, citing the need to review her performance.
The FIR alleges that the coach initially asked the teenager to meet him in the hotel lobby, but later persuaded her to come to his room, claiming that a focused discussion was required. It is there that the alleged assault took place. The survivor claimed that Bharadwaj threatened to damage her sporting career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident.
Following a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, the Women Police Station in NIT Faridabad registered a case under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Faridabad Police Public Relations Officer Yashpal Yadav said that, given the seriousness of the allegations, the hotel administration has been directed to immediately provide CCTV footage, reports News 18. Senior police officials said multiple teams have been deployed to collect forensic and electronic evidence.
Investigators have begun recording statements from hotel staff and other potential witnesses. Authorities said the accused coach is expected to be questioned soon as efforts are under way to preserve all relevant evidence.
Meanwhile, National Rifle Association of India secretary general Pawan Kumar Singh said the federation learned of the allegations through media reports and has suspended Bharadwaj from all duties pending the inquiry.
