A 30-year-old badminton coach in Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old student. The case emerged when the girl’s grandmother found an explicit photo of her on her phone. The teenager, who had just completed her Class 10 exams, was visiting her grandmother when she sent the inappropriate image to the coach using her grandmother’s device. Upon discovering the photo, the grandmother informed the girl’s parents, who confronted her. The girl disclosed that the coach had been meeting her privately under the pretense of offering extra training sessions.
The coach, who resides alone in Bengaluru, reportedly took the girl to his home several times, where he sexually assaulted her and cautioned her against speaking out. Distressed by their daughter’s revelations, her parents contacted the police, resulting in the coach’s arrest.
Authorities have filed a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and are investigating whether the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act applies due to the girl’s age. The coach has allegedly confessed to his actions during initial police questioning.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against minors remain a significant concern in India, with over 47,000 cases reported under the POCSO Act in 2022. The sports center where the girl trained has yet to release an official statement, but parents of other students are reportedly calling for a review of the coaching staff and safety measures.