A 48-year-old Dronacharya Award-winning gymnastics coach has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after a 16-year-old student allegedly accused him of sexual harassment in Mumbai's Vile Parle area. Police have also registered charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the complaint, the minor had been training under the coach for several years. On Friday morning, while she was studying at home, she reportedly received a WhatsApp message from the coach asking her to come to the gym.
The girl informed her mother about the message. After being advised to ask the coach why he wanted to meet her, the girl reportedly went to the gym believing that the discussion would be related to her training.
Alleged Incident at Gym
According to the police complaint, the coach was alone at the gym when the girl arrived. He allegedly asked her to bring her footwear inside and lock the door.
After initially talking about her college and studies, the coach allegedly behaved inappropriately with her. The girl managed to escape from the gym and later went to her college, where she told her friends and a teacher about the incident.
The teacher subsequently informed the girl's family, following which a complaint was lodged with the Vile Parle police.
Police Begin Investigation
Police have registered an FIR under the POCSO Act and relevant BNS provisions. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from around the gym and checking WhatsApp conversations as part of the probe.
The accused coach has been taken into custody for questioning, according to the report. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
