Serious Allegations Against National Shooting Coach Ankush Bharadwaj

Allegations of Misconduct Surface

The Haryana Police have initiated legal proceedings against Ankush Bharadwaj, a national shooting coach, following claims of sexual harassment made by a 17-year-old shooter from the national circuit in Faridabad.

As per the First Information Report (FIR), the alleged incident occurred on December 16, 2025, after the young athlete had competed in a national shooting event at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range located in South Delhi.

The victim reported that Bharadwaj requested her to meet him at his hotel in Surajkund, stating it was necessary to discuss her performance.

Initially, the coach suggested they meet in the hotel lobby, but he later convinced her to come to his room for a more in-depth conversation. It was in this setting that the alleged assault took place. The victim claimed that Bharadwaj threatened her with repercussions to her sports career and her family if she revealed what happened.

Following a report lodged by the victim's mother, the Women Police Station in NIT Faridabad has filed a case under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Yashpal Yadav, the Public Relations Officer for Faridabad Police, stated that due to the gravity of the allegations, the hotel management has been instructed to provide CCTV footage without delay. Senior police officials have formed multiple teams to gather forensic and electronic evidence.

Investigators are currently interviewing hotel personnel and other potential witnesses. Authorities indicated that Bharadwaj is expected to be interrogated soon as they work to secure all pertinent evidence.

In the meantime, Pawan Kumar Singh, the secretary general of the National Rifle Association of India, mentioned that the federation became aware of the allegations through media reports and has suspended Bharadwaj from all responsibilities while the investigation is ongoing.