Overview

• A 30-year-old badminton coach in Bengaluru was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student during private training sessions.
• The abuse was uncovered when the survivor's grandmother found explicit photos on her phone, leading to a police investigation.
• The coach confessed to the crime during initial questioning and faces charges under the Indian Penal Code, with authorities evaluating the applicability of the POCSO Act.
• Parents of other trainees at the sports center are demanding a review of coaching staff and safety protocols to prevent further incidents.
• The case highlights ongoing systemic failures in safeguarding minors, with over 47,000 cases reported under the POCSO Act in 2022, according to NCRB data.