National-level shooter alleges rape: Mamata Sharma questions girls' safety

New Delhi [India], Dec. 4 (ANI): A day after a national-level shooter alleged rape by her coach, former National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Mamata Sharma on Sunday questioned the safety of girls while demanding stringent action against the accused. "How common people would remain safe if even the sportspersons are not safe? The woman was exploited on the pretext of marriage," she said, adding that police should take stern action against the accused. Condemning the double-standards of the society, Sharma said, "On one hand we talk about women empowerment, while on the other we commit such heinous crime." Women activist Neelam Katara also criticized the incident, saying that a woman should be careful about her safety. A national-level shooter has accused her coach of raping her on the pretext of marriage. In her complaint, the woman said that she has known the accused for over two years as they used to practice together. The woman also said that she has been training for the national championships at the shooting range of the Sports Authority of India and the accused, who had competed in international events, used to guide her. The two got involved in a relationship and the shooter promised to marry her, according to the FIR. An FIR has been lodged under Section 376 and 328 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Meanwhile, MK Meena, Special Commissioner of Police, (ACB) said a case of rape has been registered and investigation will be carried out as per law.(ANI)