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Events / Accidents / Shooting Coach Ankush Bhardwaj Sexual Assault
Accidents sexual assault

Shooting Coach Ankush Bhardwaj Sexual Assault

Analysis based on 14 articles · First reported Jan 08, 2026 · Last updated Jan 08, 2026

Sentiment
-100
Attention
0
Articles
14
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the Ergen Dashboard
Market Impact

This event has no direct impact on financial markets. The incident primarily affects the reputation of the National Rifle Association of India and the India — Sports Authority of India, and the career of Ankush Bhardwaj.

Event Summary

Ankush Bhardwaj, a national shooting coach, has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old minor athlete during the National Championships in December 2025. The alleged incident occurred at a hotel in India — Faridabad, where Ankush Bhardwaj reportedly coerced the athlete into his room under the pretext of performance analysis, then sexually assaulted her and threatened her career if she spoke out. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has suspended Ankush Bhardwaj from all duties and issued a show-cause notice. The Haryana — Haryana Police have registered an FIR against Ankush Bhardwaj under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and an investigation is underway, including the collection of CCTV footage. Ankush Bhardwaj was part of the coaching staff recommended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and appointed by the India — Sports Authority of India. This is not the first controversy for Ankush Bhardwaj, who previously served a doping ban in 2010.

Entities Involved
per
Ankush Bhardwaj
Ankush Bhardwaj, a national shooting coach, has been accused of sexual assault by a minor athlete and subsequently suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). An FIR has been registered against him under the POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment -100.0
ngo
National Rifle Association of India
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) suspended Ankush Bhardwaj following sexual assault allegations and initiated an inquiry. The incident reflects poorly on the organization's oversight of its coaching staff.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment -50.0
govactor
India — Sports Authority of India
The India — Sports Authority of India appointed Ankush Bhardwaj as part of the coaching staff based on the recommendation of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). The incident raises questions about their vetting process.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -30.0
govactor
Haryana — Haryana Police
The Haryana — Haryana Police registered an FIR against Ankush Bhardwaj under the POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and is currently investigating the sexual assault allegations, including collecting CCTV footage.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
loc
India — Faridabad
The alleged sexual assault incident involving Ankush Bhardwaj took place in a hotel in India — Faridabad, where an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway by the local police.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment -10.0
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