Shotokan was a top-rated Martial Arts Academy with glowing reviews. Hundreds of students studied under Shankar Malusare (the accused). He had gained the trust and confidence of the parents, as most of the girls were being trained since they were in 2nd or 3rd standard, and had been performing at national and international level competitions. Parents thought that their daughters were in safe hands and that the coach would make them bold, brave and resilient. There were separate batches for girls and boys once the girl’s reached puberty. The coach was so strict that he did not allow the adolescent girls to talk to the boys in the class. 

Priya (name changed, age 19) had joined the Martial Arts Academy when she was in 3rd standard and continued till her 12th grade. One evening as she was chatting with her friends from class, she broached the topic of the coach’s unethical behaviour. Priya narrated her gut-wrenching experience that had taken place when she was 17. 

On several occasions, the coach would insist that body massages are crucial for those practicing Karate. He forcefully massaged her and touched her inappropriately on her private parts, even inserting his finger inside her. Another time, he asked her to come to his house to conduct an online class for younger students. Since they were alone, soon after the class finished, he undressed to his underwear and asked Priya to check his fitness, while undressing her to do the same. Terrified, Priya ran away, but was too scared to talk to anyone about this. Eventually, Priya confided in her mother about the horrific behaviour of the person whom she considered her mentor and guide. Priya’s mother, who worked at an NGO, had once attended FFCP Muskaan’s Awareness session on CSA and POCSO. She immediately contacted the helpline to seek help and also lodged a complaint at the police station.

Priya informed the police about her other two batch mates who were also victims of the abuse at the hands of the coach. They were summoned for further investigation of the case. FFCP Muskaan’s caseworkers and counsellors intervened and counselled the girls to help them open up and share their experience. 

Shilpa (name changed, age 18), told the counsellors that the coach would insist on booking single hotel rooms when they would go out for Karate competitions. He would get close to the girls in bed at night and touch them inappropriately, berating and insulting them if they resisted his advances. One of the girls, Kirti (name changed) collapsed at a national level competition due to severe stress and trauma resulting from the abuse.

The parents of the other girls were unwilling to file a complaint out of fear and trauma. However, Muskaan counsellors encouraged them to take a stand for their daughters. FFCP- Muskaan provided counselling and legal support to the victims and their parents and also opposed the accused’s bail application. The accused is behind bars. The counselling session of the girls continued long-term till they were able to overcome the trauma. Shilpa, who had lost all confidence, was counselled and encouraged to pursue her passion in wildlife photography. She is now taking up individual projects and excelling in her career. 

Kirti, who is now 24, approached Muskaan counsellors to help her with pre-marriage counselling and also gained confidence to share her experience with her fiancé. Priya and Kirti have now started their own Martial arts academy, hoping to conduct classes for girls and members of vulnerable communities!

*Name changed to maintain confidentiality.