Odisha Police Arrest Three Hockey Coaches in Rape Case After Gathering Evidence

Speedy summary

• Arrests Made: Three hockey trainers from Odisha Naval Tata Hockey training Center, Jajpur Town, were arrested by police for allegedly raping a minor girl hockey player.
• Key Accusations: Trainers Sarthaka Mohanty, Sandeep Swain, and Sagar Nayak reportedly took the minor girl to a lodge on July 3 and earlier sexually assaulted her during a camp in Rourkela in March.
• Legal Action: They have been booked under sections regarding gang rape (70(2)), assault (74), common intention (35(2)) of BNSS, and section 6 of POCSO Act 2012. The survivorS statements were recorded under relevant legal provisions before a woman magistrate in POCSO court. Investigation is ongoing.
• Other Incidents: Separate cases of sexual assault involving minors were reported from Jagatsinghpur and Malkangiri districts on July 21,leading to hospitalizations and arrests including that of a truck driver involved in one case.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The arrest of three hockey trainers for alleged sexual abuse is an alarming incident within India’s sports ecosystem where institutions play notable roles in nurturing young talent. This case raises concerns over the safety protocols for minors participating in sports camps or training centers across India, especially when trainers hold positions of trust around vulnerable individuals.

Odisha’s recurring spotlight on crimes against women highlights systemic issues surrounding both protection measures and legal intervention processes – areas that demand urgent scrutiny from policymakers at state-level governance and also nationwide reforms addressing gender-based violence thoroughly.

the investigation into thes incidents should prioritize transparency while ensuring justice for survivors through swift judicial action under laws like the POCSO Act designed to safeguard children’s rights aggressively but fairly against exploitation or abuse from those entrusted wiht their wellbeing.Read More: Published – July 22, 2025