‘Sexual abuse’ of minor athlete, SAI coach nabbed under POCSO

North Lakhipur: A swimming coach and in-charge of a Sports Authority of India (SAI) training center in Assam’s Salalgaon has been accused of “sexually abusing” athletes, including minors.

A case has been registered against the coach and the SAI-Salalgaon training center in-charge under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.

The accused has been identified as Mrinal Basumatary.

Basumatary has been charged under the POCSO Act following complaints from trainees of “sexual harassment”.
The issue first came to light when some players at the SAI training center in Salalgaon in North Lakhimpur, Assam, accused their coach of “sexual harassment” during the selection trial.

Based on this complaint, SAI registered an FIR at Paltan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati, Assam.

Sources said the matter was being dealt with “highest priority due to its highly sensitive nature”.

It may be mentioned here that Mrinal Basumatary – the accused – is reported to be absconding and has been booked under the POCSO Act.