'Sexual assault' case against hockey player: 'It's an attempt to extort money from me', says Varun Kumar

PTC Web Desk: In a surprising turn of events, Arjuna awardee and accomplished hockey player Varun Kumar has approached Hockey India seeking urgent leave from the academy. This follows the filing of what he claims to be a false and malicious sexual assault case against him by a former girlfriend, resulting in an FIR in Bangalore.

Varun Kumar alleges that the case is an attempt to extort money from him and tarnish his impeccable reputation. He alleged that the involved party came from a highly influential police family. With her father having served as a former ACP in the Telangana State Police Services and other family members holding positions in the police and the Railways, the case takes on a unique dimension.

Expressing concerns about the potential impact on his career and image, hockey player Varun Kumar said the legal battle had taken a toll on his physical and mental health. The copies of the letter have also been sent to Graig Fulton, Head Coach of the Indian Men's National Hockey Team, and Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary of Hockey India.

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The case

The hockey player was booked on charges of sexual assault and cheating under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. He faces charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl in 2019.

As per the complainant, who is now working with an airlines, she was under training for volleyball at a SAI, Bengaluru, when she came in contact with the accused. She alleged that they befriended each other on social media and Varun insited on meeting her, However, she rejected his plea.

But when she turned down his request, she was blackmailed emotionally. And when the duo met, they entered into a relationship.

As per the complaint, the accused took her to the Jayanagar locality in Bengaluru in July 2019, where he booked a hotel room. He had a physical relationship with her on the pretext of marriage. She was minor at that time. As per the girl, he had a physical relationship with her many times.

A case has been registered against Varun following the girl's complaint.