Haryana – Haryana Police have registered a case against a national-level shooting coach following allegations of sexual assault against an 18-year-old woman shooter at a hotel in Faridabad last month. The incident has sent shockwaves through the sporting community as the shooting coach accused of raping minor athlete was among the 13 national pistol coaches appointed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). According to police officials, the victim was a minor at the time of the alleged incident, prompting authorities to invoke the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Incident Details and Timeline
The alleged assault took place on December 16 at a hotel in Surajkund, Faridabad, just one day after the athlete participated in a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Academy in New Delhi. An FIR was registered on Tuesday following a detailed complaint submitted by the shooter’s family. The case involving the shooting coach accused of raping minor has prompted an immediate investigation by Faridabad Police, who are treating the matter with utmost seriousness given the victim’s age and the power dynamics involved.
Coach’s Alleged Manipulation
According to the FIR filed with the Women’s Police Station, NIT Faridabad, the shooting coach accused of raping minor allegedly contacted the athlete and requested her to meet him at the hotel lobby where he was staying. The coach reportedly told the young shooter that the meeting was necessary to analyze her performance and discuss her shooting technique in detail. The complaint states that the athlete was then pressured to accompany the coach to his hotel room under the pretext that the discussion would be more focused and productive in a private setting.
Allegations of Sexual Assault and Threats
Once inside the hotel room, the shooting coach accused of raping minor allegedly committed sexual assault against the athlete. The FIR accessed by investigators reveals that the victim attempted to resist but was overpowered. The complaint further alleges that the coach made threatening remarks, warning the athlete that he would ruin her career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident to anyone. These threats allegedly exploited the coach’s position of authority and influence within the national shooting community.
Victim’s Response and Family Support
Following the alleged assault, the athlete left the hotel in a state of shock and distress. She later gathered the courage to narrate the entire ordeal to her family members, who immediately decided to file a police complaint. The family’s prompt action in reporting the case involving the shooting coach accused of raping minor has been crucial in initiating the investigation and potentially protecting other young athletes from similar situations.
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Police Investigation Underway
Yashpal Yadav, public relations officer of Faridabad police, confirmed that authorities are taking the allegations seriously. “Looking at the seriousness of the case, we have already asked the hotel administration to share all the CCTV camera footage of the day of the incident immediately to corroborate the allegations of the minor girl,” Yadav stated. The investigation into the shooting coach accused of raping minor includes gathering evidence from multiple sources and recording statements from witnesses who may have information relevant to the case.
Legal Provisions Invoked
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These legal provisions specifically address sexual offenses against minors and carry stringent penalties upon conviction. The case of the shooting coach accused of raping minor falls under these provisions as the athlete was below 18 years of age at the time of the alleged incident.
Current Status of the Accused
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the shooting coach accused of raping minor has neither been detained nor issued a notice as of now. According to investigators, the sports federation concerned has also not been formally informed about the case yet. This has raised questions about the pace of the investigation and whether appropriate action is being taken to prevent the accused from potentially influencing the investigation or approaching other athletes.
Ongoing Evidence Collection
Police are systematically collecting evidence to build a strong case. The CCTV footage from the hotel is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the timeline of events and corroborating the victim’s account. Investigators are also recording statements from witnesses who may have seen the athlete or the shooting coach accused of raping minor at the hotel on the day of the incident. The hotel administration has been directed to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide all requested documentation and footage.
Implications for Sports Community
This case highlights serious concerns about the safety of young athletes and the potential abuse of power by coaches in positions of authority. The allegations against the shooting coach accused of raping minor underscore the need for robust safeguarding mechanisms within sports organizations. As the investigation continues, there are growing calls for the NRAI and other sporting bodies to implement stricter protocols to protect athletes, particularly minors, from exploitation and abuse.
