The allegations surfaced when the 17-year-old shooter confided in her mother on January 1, 2026, detailing an assault that occurred on December 16, 2025. The incident followed a national-level competition at Delhi’s Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, where Bharadwaj, one of 13 national pistol coaches appointed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), had been overseeing training.

According to the FIR registered at the Women’s Police Station in NIT Faridabad, the coach contacted the athlete post-competition, insisting on a private discussion about her performance. She was directed to meet him in the hotel lobby but was persuaded to join him in his room for a “more focused” talk. Once inside, Bharadwaj allegedly offered to “crack her back” to relieve supposed strain, forcing her onto the bed and assaulting her despite her protests. He reportedly threatened to destroy her shooting career and harm her family if she spoke out. 

The victim, who had been training under Bharadwaj since August 2025, left the hotel in distress. After initial hesitation, she disclosed the events to her family, leading to the police complaint five days later. Haryana Police have charged Bharadwaj under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which addresses aggravated penetrative sexual assault, and Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation.

In response, the NRAI suspended Bharadwaj from all duties on January 7, 2026, issuing a show-cause notice and barring him from future assignments pending an internal inquiry. Police are actively investigating, securing CCTV footage from the hotel and recording witness statements. No arrest has been made as of January 9, 2026, and the coach’s whereabouts remain unconfirmed in reports.