News
Arjuna Awardee and Olympic Bronze Medalist Indian Hockey Player booked under POCSO act
The 28-year-old sportsman, boasts141 senior caps and a silver medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Indian national hockey player Varun Kumar is now facing serious charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The 28-year-old sportsman, boasting 141 senior caps and a silver medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, has been accused of raping and cheating on a minor girl in 2019.
Varun has been esteemed with an Arjuna Award, and he was a pivotal member of the triumphant Indian team at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. However, the recent disclosure has had a significant impact on his career. The 17-year-old victim alleges that the assault transpired when she was undergoing Volleyball training at a Sports Authority of India facility in Bengaluru.
At the SAI facility, she encountered Varun Kumar, and things went on. According to her complaint, Varun initiated contact through social media and, after being declined an in-person meeting, allegedly emotionally manipulated the victim into meeting him with the assistance of his friends. Subsequently, they entered into a relationship.
“He booked a hotel room for me” victim made serious allegations against Varun Kumar
The victim asserts that in July 2019, the Hockey player took her to Jayanagar, Bengaluru, under the pretext of a dinner date, booked a hotel room, and engaged in a physical relationship. Allegedly promising marriage, Varun reportedly continued the relationship. He took her to multiple hotels over the next five years, despite being aware of her minor status.
The victim disclosed that Varun visited her residence to offer condolences when her father passed away, but subsequently distanced himself. When she pressed Varun for marriage, she claims he not only refused but also threatened to release their intimate videos on social media.
A senior police official confirmed the registration of the case on Monday, initiated by the victim. Despite her current age being above the legal threshold, her age at the initiation of the alleged assault in 2019 led to the inclusion of charges under the POCSO Act.
