In a deeply disturbing incident from Kerala, a weightlifting coach named Mohammad Nishak has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually harassing minor girls who came to receive weightlifting training. The coach reportedly made inappropriate advances and obscene remarks, including the horrifying comment: “Why don’t you give me something?” a statement that has triggered outrage across the state.
The sexual harassment case has brought back into focus the vulnerabilities faced by minor athletes and the urgent need for stringent monitoring and vetting of coaches across sports institutions in India.
What Happened in Reality? Shocking Allegations Against Mohammad Nishak
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police, several minor girls, all under the age of 18, were receiving weightlifting training under coach Mohammad Nishak in a Kerala based training center. The girls alleged that over a period of time, Nishak made them uncomfortable through verbal abuse, inappropriate touching, and continuous sexual harassment.
He reportedly targeted multiple girls, often cornering them alone during training sessions. One survivor recalled the accused saying, “You train hard, but why don’t you give me something in return?” a blatant act of grooming and abuse of power.
The victims kept silent for a while out of fear and shame but ultimately gathered the courage to inform their families, who then approached the police. A formal POCSO case has now been registered against the coach, and an investigation is underway.
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POCSO Act: A Critical Safeguard for Minor Victims of Sexual Harassment
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was designed to protect children under the age of 18 from sexual offences. It ensures speedy trials, child-friendly procedures, and strict punishment for offenders.
In this case, the sexual harassment of minor girls by a person in a position of authority a coach makes the crime even graver. If convicted, Mohammad Nishak could face rigorous imprisonment and be permanently barred from working with children or in sports.
Pattern of Sexual Harassment in Indian Sports Isn’t New
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Over the years, multiple cases of sexual harassment of minor athletes have come to light in India. Coaches, sports officials, and even team doctors have been accused of exploiting young athletes under their care.
This pattern raises serious questions:
- Why is background verification of coaches still so weak?
- Why are internal complaints committees in sports institutions ineffective or non-existent?
- Are minor athletes safe in Indian training centers?
These questions remain unanswered, even as the count of such cases continues to rise.
Public Reaction and Institutional Response
The incident has sparked anger and fear among the public, particularly among parents whose children are in sports training programs. Child rights activists and women’s organizations in Kerala have demanded immediate arrest and strictest punishment for Mohammad Nishak.
A senior police officer stated:
“We have taken the matter very seriously. The accused has been booked under multiple sections of the POCSO Act and the BNS. Further investigation is ongoing to identify if more victims are involved.”
Need for Urgent Reforms in Sports Training
This incident has renewed the demand for an overhaul in how India trains and protects its athletes especially minors.
What Needs to Be Done?
- Strict Verification of credentials and backgrounds before hiring coaches.
- Installation of CCTV cameras in training areas.
- Formation of internal complaints committees with psychologists and legal experts.
- Mandatory training for all staff members.
- Confidential helplines for minor athletes.
The sexual harassment of minor girls by coach Mohammad Nishak in Kerala is a tragic reminder that safeguards for children in sports are dangerously inadequate. The focus must now shift to not only punishing the guilty but also protecting the innocent.
Athletes are meant to thrive, not be traumatized. As this POCSO case progresses, the nation watches closely hoping that justice will be swift and reform will be real.
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Source: OpIndia Report
