Mumbai Gymnastics Coach Booked Under POCSO Act

A 48-year-old gymnastics coach from Mumbai, who has been honoured with the Dronacharya Award, has been booked by the Vile Parle Police for allegedly sexually harassing a 16-year-old student. The student, a college student, had been receiving gymnastics training from the accused for several years.

The alleged incident took place on Friday morning when the coach sent a WhatsApp message to the student, which read 'Hi'. The student responded and informed her mother about the message. On her mother's advice, the student asked the coach why he had contacted her. The coach allegedly asked her to meet him at the gymnasium, and the student, assuming it was related to gymnastics, went to the gymnasium.

According to the complaint, the coach was alone when the student arrived. He asked her to bring her footwear inside and close the door from inside. The two later spoke about her college and studies. The student alleged that during the conversation, the coach held her left hand and pulled her onto his lap. She further alleged that when she tried to get up, he held her around the waist from behind and allegedly harassed her.

The student then left the gymnasium and went directly to college. After noticing that she was distressed, her friends asked what had happened. She later narrated the incident to a teacher, who informed her family. The family then approached the police and lodged a complaint.

The Vile Parle Police registered an FIR against the coach under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are examining CCTV footage from the gymnasium and surrounding areas as part of the investigation. The WhatsApp conversation between the student and the coach is also being examined.

The accused coach is being questioned as part of the investigation. Police said further legal action will follow based on the findings of the probe. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students, particularly in sports coaching.

The Dronacharya Award is a prestigious award given to coaches who have made significant contributions to sports in India. The fact that the accused coach is a recipient of this award has made the incident even more shocking.

The Mumbai Police have assured that they will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served in this case. The incident is a reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness about the safety of children, particularly in situations where they are vulnerable.

The POCSO Act is a law that aims to protect children from sexual offences. The law provides for severe punishment for those found guilty of such offences. The fact that the coach has been booked under the POCSO Act indicates the seriousness of the allegations against him.

In conclusion, the incident is a disturbing reminder of the need for safety and awareness about the well-being of children. The Mumbai Police are investigating the incident, and it is hoped that justice will be served soon.