Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh booked for sexually harassing athletics coach

Sandeep Singh has dubbed the allegations as baseless. (Photo: File)

By India Today Web Desk: Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh has been booked on charges of sexual harassment and outraging modesty of a woman after a junior athletics coach filed a complaint against the Olympian.

A case under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or criminal force to woman with intent of disrobe), 342 (wrongful confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC has been registered against Sandeep Singh.

Sandeep Singh is an Olympian and former captain of the Indian national hockey team.

READ | Lady athlete coach accuses Haryana sports minister of sexual harassment

The lady coach had alleged that Sandeep Singh, BJP MLA from Pehowa in Kurukshetra, had first seen her at a gym and then contacted her on Instagram. The coach claimed that the minister later kept insisting that they meet up.

"He messaged me on Instagram and said my national games certificate is pending and wanted to meet in this regard. Unfortunately, my certificate has been misplaced by my federation and I have been taking it up with the authorities concerned,” she said.

The woman said she finally agreed to meet the minister but when she went there with some documents, Sandeep Singh indulged in sexual misconduct. The minister has dubbed the allegations as baseless.