A case was lodged on Thursday against a 59-year-old kabaddi coach for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old in a dressing room on the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus near Bangalore University.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, and a subsequent committee set up by the SAI to investigate recommended the suspension of R.V. Hosamani, a senior coach, as well as the lodging of a police complaint. The Jnanabharati police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
As reported in these columns on Thursday, sources said that around 4.15 p.m. on Tuesday, the girl raised an alarm in the dressing room near the kabaddi ground. She ran out in tears and called her mother. Her father and uncle arrived and allegedly assaulted the coach. A complaint written by the girl was submitted to the SAI.
The Internal Complaints Committee was directed to inquire. “We have taken prompt action, and the coach has been suspended until further inquiry. A police complaint has been lodged. Further action will be taken by the police as well as the SAI,” said SAI regional director M. Shyam Sundar.
Hosamani is a senior kabaddi and kho kho coach associated with the SAI Training Centre Scheme to mentor sportspersons aged between 12 and 18.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Ravi D. Channannavar said preliminary facts had been obtained and investigation under the POCSO Act would continue.