In yet another instance of women abuse in sports, an Indian Olympian has been accused of attempting to rape a national level shooter. The Olympian, who has been identified as Sanjeev Rajput had earlier been charged with rape by the same victim at Delhi's Chanakyapuri police station on December 4. She has now filed a fresh complaint at the Hinjewadi police station.
The two were in a relationship and Rajput had promised to marry her, according to the FIR. He, however, failed to honour the promise. Senior Police Inspector Arun Vaykar said a non-cognisable complaint has been registered against Rajput.
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The scuffle had taken place at the shooting range at Balewadi, where Rajput was participating at the 60th National Shooting Championship Competition. However, soon after the brawl, which lasted for almost an hour, Sanjeev fled the stadium and did not participate in the finals scheduled later in the day.
The local police had to intervene, but Rajput managed to slip out in the melee. He later went untraceable and switched off his phone. The Arjuna awardee skipped his 10m Air Rifle final which was scheduled at 10.30 am.
According to TOI, eye-witnesses said the victim pounced on Rajput as soon as he entered the venue. "The lady went charging at him. People standing nearby couldn't understand what was going on. Rajput left the venue just as the police arrived," said an eyewitness.
Officials at the venue were left stunned by the fact that an Olympian was involved in such a lewd incident. There were, however, contrasting versions of the events, with some saying that it was the international shooter who taunted the victim, following which she reacted.
Sanjeev quit the Indian navy in 2014 and joined the Sports Authority Of India (SAI) in August as a coach. He also was a mentor to the victim on and off at the Delhi shooting ranges.
The victim is currently in Pune where she is taking part in the Air 10m, prone and other three position events. She also coaches a few junior shooters.
