DELHI: In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the sporting community, a 17-year-old shooter has accused Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ankush Bharadwaj of sexually assaulting her in a hotel room. Bharadwaj, a national shooting coach operating his own academy, has been suspended and is facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following the chilling allegations made by the teen.

The teenage shooter, who has been honing her skills since 2017 and started training under Bharadwaj last year, disclosed that on December 16, after a national-level shooting competition at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi, Bharadwaj lured her to a five-star hotel in Faridabad under the pretense of discussing her performance. Once inside his hotel room, the situation took a horrifying turn as Bharadwaj allegedly offered to “crack her back,” and then forcibly assaulted her when she resisted.

In her complaint, the young athlete recounted the trauma and fear that followed the incident. "I was scared and did not say anything to anyone,” she stated, adding that Bharadwaj had complained to her parents about her disobedience, which added to her distress. Eventually, after confiding in her mother, she was encouraged to report the incident to the police.

The charges against Bharadwaj include aggravated penetrative sexual assault as per Section 6 of the POCSO Act, alongside allegations of criminal intimidation. Pawan Singh, the secretary general of the National Rifle Association of India, confirmed Bharadwaj's suspension while an investigation unfolds. He emphasized the association’s commitment to ensuring safety and integrity within the sport.

Ankush Bharadwaj is known for his accomplishments, having won gold in the 50-metre pistol event at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, although his career has been marred by controversy, including a doping ban in 2010. Now, with ongoing investigations, the focus remains on the implications of this case for young athletes and their safety in the sporting environment.

The family of the victim expressed their distress over the incident, highlighting the psychological toll it has taken on their daughter. "We are deeply traumatized. Our daughter has been advised counseling, and we are focused on her well-being. We do not want anyone else to suffer the same fate," they stated, calling for comprehensive investigations into Bharadwaj’s actions and urging protection for potential other victims.