Ankush Bharadwaj Faces Charges Over Incident Involving 17-Year-Old
The 17-year-old victim detailed how the coach allegedly used his professional standing to gain access to her room before the assault occurred. Police officials in Faridabad have already collected forensic evidence and recorded the statement of the 17-year-old shooter under Section 164 of the CrPC. Because the survivor is a minor, the case falls under strict legal protections, ensuring her identity remains confidential while the investigation proceeds. Investigators are currently scanning the hotel’s digital logs and interviewing other athletes who were present at the venue during the time of the alleged crime.
Following the formal complaint, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) immediately removed Bharadwaj from all active roles to prevent any interference with the legal process. This decision came after a preliminary review of the internal safety protocols that failed to protect the 17-year-old athlete. Reports show that this specific training camp had over 30 participants, raising questions about the supervision of minor players during official travel. The sports ministry has since ordered a 100% audit of all national coaching staff to verify background checks and past conduct records.
Federation Response and Safety Protocols for Minor Athletes
The sports community has reacted with shock, demanding harsher penalties for those who violate the trust of young athletes. According to NDTV, the 17-year-old shooter is now receiving specialized trauma counseling provided by the state’s sports welfare department. “We stand firmly with the survivor and will ensure that no stone is left unturned in this investigation,” a senior police official stated during a press briefing regarding the 17-year-old’s case.
New guidelines are expected to emerge from this crisis, potentially mandating female chaperones for every minor athlete traveling for competitions. The 17-year-old shooter’s courage in coming forward has prompted other former students of Bharadwaj to speak out about his coaching style. Legal experts predict that the trial will be fast-tracked given the age of the victim and the high-profile nature of the accused. For now, the shooting range remains silent as the fraternity grapples with the fallout of these disturbing charges involving a promising 17-year-old talent. The ministry has promised a full report on the matter within the next 14 days.
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