Rajasthan
Five Shooters Lodge Sexual Abuse Case Against Raj Rifle Assn Coach | Jaipur News
JAIPUR: The city police have filed an FIR against the coach of the Rajasthan Rifle Association (RRA) following allegations of sexual assault, including rape charges, made by five young female rifle shooters at the Malviya Nagar police station.
SHO Poonam Kumari, who initiated an investigation into the case, said, “Since there is a minor girl among the rape victims, charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been filed against the coach. A FIR was registered against the coach after recording statements of the female shooters.”
According to the complaint, Shashikant Sharma, the accused, is alleged to have raped two of the players and molested three others. It has been reported that during the Green Cup tournament held in Italy, the coach exerted pressure on the players to share rooms. The case, filed by RRA’s joint secretary Mahipal Singh Rathod, involves grave charges including rape and molestation.
During the preliminary investigation, the victims revealed that the coach also touched the players inappropriately and allegedly forced them to share rooms. He exerted pressure on them, as many players were dependent on him for weapons during the tournament.
An official said, “He also used to address them as ‘beta’ and gained the trust of their family members.”
Initially, the victims lodged a complaint with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee of NRAI (National Rifle Association of India). Prior to this, a complaint was also filed with the Rajasthan Rifle Association. However, despite the complaints, no action was taken against the coach by the RRA. As a result, they decided to approach the police.
The Malviya Nagar police will record statements of 164 shooters in court as part of their ongoing inquiry. Following the statement recordings, police are expected to proceed with the arrest of coach Shashikant Sharma.
SHO Poonam Kumari, who initiated an investigation into the case, said, “Since there is a minor girl among the rape victims, charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been filed against the coach. A FIR was registered against the coach after recording statements of the female shooters.”
According to the complaint, Shashikant Sharma, the accused, is alleged to have raped two of the players and molested three others. It has been reported that during the Green Cup tournament held in Italy, the coach exerted pressure on the players to share rooms. The case, filed by RRA’s joint secretary Mahipal Singh Rathod, involves grave charges including rape and molestation.
During the preliminary investigation, the victims revealed that the coach also touched the players inappropriately and allegedly forced them to share rooms. He exerted pressure on them, as many players were dependent on him for weapons during the tournament.
An official said, “He also used to address them as ‘beta’ and gained the trust of their family members.”
Initially, the victims lodged a complaint with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee of NRAI (National Rifle Association of India). Prior to this, a complaint was also filed with the Rajasthan Rifle Association. However, despite the complaints, no action was taken against the coach by the RRA. As a result, they decided to approach the police.
The Malviya Nagar police will record statements of 164 shooters in court as part of their ongoing inquiry. Following the statement recordings, police are expected to proceed with the arrest of coach Shashikant Sharma.
