National Coach Ankush Bhardwaj Suspended by NRAI Over Minor’s Sexual Harassment Allegation
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has suspended national shooting coach Ankush Bhardwaj after a minor shooter accused him of sexual harassment. The action was taken after an FIR was registered against Bhardwaj in Faridabad, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Haryana Police.
The case has sent shockwaves through India’s shooting community, raising serious concerns about athlete safety within professional training environments.
FIR Filed, NRAI Acts Swiftly
Confirming the suspension, NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia told PTI, "NRAI has suspended him and we will issue a show-cause notice." He clarified that the decision was based on ethical considerations while the probe is underway.
"He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity," Bhatia added.
The FIR has been filed in Faridabad, and police have begun collecting evidence related to the alleged incident.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the FIR, the incident allegedly occurred on December 16, 2025, after a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in south Delhi. The 17-year-old athlete was reportedly asked by Bhardwaj to meet him at a hotel in the Surajkund area of Faridabad to analyse her match performance.
However, the complaint alleges that upon reaching the hotel, the coach pressured the minor to come up to his room, claiming the discussion required privacy. It was there that the alleged assault took place.
The survivor also stated that Bhardwaj threatened to damage her sporting career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident.
Survivor Speaks Up After Trauma
The minor, who had been training under Bhardwaj since August last year, reportedly remained traumatised following the incident. According to the FIR, she finally spoke up in front of her mother on January 1, after which the complaint was formally lodged.
Following the complaint by the victim’s mother, the Women Police Station in NIT Faridabad registered a case against Bhardwaj.
Charges Under POCSO Act and BNS
Given that the athlete was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, police booked the coach under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Senior police officials confirmed that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness.
Police Seek CCTV Footage, Digital Evidence
Faridabad police have launched a comprehensive investigation and deployed multiple teams to gather forensic and electronic evidence. Public relations officer Yashpal Yadav said, “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."
Investigators are also analysing call records, verifying travel details, and recording statements of hotel staff and witnesses present during the competition period.
NRAI Bars Coach From All Duties
NRAI secretary general Pawan Kumar Singh stated that the federation learned about the case through media reports and acted immediately.
“Got to know through media. Till inquiry is made coach Ankush is suspended from all duties, will not be given any new assignment," he said.
The suspension means Bhardwaj will not be involved in any coaching or official activity until the inquiry is completed.
Coach’s Background and Past Controversy
Ankush Bhardwaj is a former pistol shooter and had earlier served a doping ban in 2010 after testing positive for a beta-blocker during his competitive career.
He was later recommended by the NRAI and appointed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as part of the 37-member coaching staff following the Paris Olympics 2024.
Investigation Ongoing
Police officials confirmed that Bhardwaj is expected to be questioned soon as authorities continue to preserve and examine all ensure all relevant evidence is secured. Officials have reiterated that no conclusions will be drawn until the investigation is complete.
The case has sent shockwaves through India’s shooting community, raising serious concerns about athlete safety within professional training environments.
FIR Filed, NRAI Acts Swiftly
Confirming the suspension, NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia told PTI, "NRAI has suspended him and we will issue a show-cause notice." He clarified that the decision was based on ethical considerations while the probe is underway.
"He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity," Bhatia added.
The FIR has been filed in Faridabad, and police have begun collecting evidence related to the alleged incident.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the FIR, the incident allegedly occurred on December 16, 2025, after a national-level shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in south Delhi. The 17-year-old athlete was reportedly asked by Bhardwaj to meet him at a hotel in the Surajkund area of Faridabad to analyse her match performance.
However, the complaint alleges that upon reaching the hotel, the coach pressured the minor to come up to his room, claiming the discussion required privacy. It was there that the alleged assault took place.
The survivor also stated that Bhardwaj threatened to damage her sporting career and harm her family if she disclosed the incident.
Survivor Speaks Up After Trauma
The minor, who had been training under Bhardwaj since August last year, reportedly remained traumatised following the incident. According to the FIR, she finally spoke up in front of her mother on January 1, after which the complaint was formally lodged.
Following the complaint by the victim’s mother, the Women Police Station in NIT Faridabad registered a case against Bhardwaj.
Charges Under POCSO Act and BNS
Given that the athlete was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, police booked the coach under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Senior police officials confirmed that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness.
Police Seek CCTV Footage, Digital Evidence
Faridabad police have launched a comprehensive investigation and deployed multiple teams to gather forensic and electronic evidence. Public relations officer Yashpal Yadav said, “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."
Investigators are also analysing call records, verifying travel details, and recording statements of hotel staff and witnesses present during the competition period.
NRAI Bars Coach From All Duties
NRAI secretary general Pawan Kumar Singh stated that the federation learned about the case through media reports and acted immediately.
“Got to know through media. Till inquiry is made coach Ankush is suspended from all duties, will not be given any new assignment," he said.
The suspension means Bhardwaj will not be involved in any coaching or official activity until the inquiry is completed.
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Coach’s Background and Past Controversy
Ankush Bhardwaj is a former pistol shooter and had earlier served a doping ban in 2010 after testing positive for a beta-blocker during his competitive career.
He was later recommended by the NRAI and appointed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as part of the 37-member coaching staff following the Paris Olympics 2024.
Investigation Ongoing
Police officials confirmed that Bhardwaj is expected to be questioned soon as authorities continue to preserve and examine all ensure all relevant evidence is secured. Officials have reiterated that no conclusions will be drawn until the investigation is complete.
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