The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct following serious allegations against national-level pistol coach Ankush Bharadwaj. The coach has been suspended from all duties after a minor shooter lodged a police complaint accusing him of sexual assault during a national competition late last year.
The FIR has been registered under provisions of the POCSO Act and criminal intimidation, and the matter is now under active police investigation.
NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo described the case as extremely sensitive and said the federation would cooperate fully with law-enforcement authorities. He underlined that while due process must be followed, the association will not compromise on athlete safety, dignity or trust. Any individual found guilty, he said, will face the strictest possible action.
The NRAI has also indicated that safeguarding mechanisms and conduct guidelines for coaches are already in place, but criminal proceedings will take precedence in cases involving serious allegations. The case once again places the spotlight on governance, accountability and the urgent need for robust athlete-protection systems within Indian sport.
This stance of the NRAI will go a long way not just in assuring athlete confidence but also in upholding the image of the nation as we look ahead to hosting key sports events.
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