An FIR has been registered in Bengaluru under the Protection of Children from Sexual Assault Act against India hockey player Varun Kumar, allegedly for raping a minor under the pretext of marriage. 

The victim was selected for volleyball by the National Center of Excellence during 2016-17 and was undergoing training in the South Division of the Sports Authority of India.  

According to the victim, the 2021 Arjuna Award winner had allegedly promised to marry her and had physical contact with her when she was 17 years old. 

In her complaint, the victim alleged that she got into contact with Varun through social media.    

She went on to allege that in 2019 she was taken to Jayanagar on the pretext of a ‘night dinner’ and had forced physical contact. She also stated that Varun came to her house and consoled her after her father died a year ago. 

Varun made his debut in 2017 and plays for the Punjab Warriors. He is currently a part of India's 24-member squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 which is set to begin on February 10.

 India will take on Max Caldas's Spain in their first match of the season.