The video, in which a swimming coach at one of the city's premier clubs is seen flogging a 12-year-old girl during a training session, has sparked outrage across the city, and on social media.
Hardik Patel was filmed by another member of the Rajpath Club, speaking to two girls cowering in front of him before hitting one of them for reportedly finishing a lap 12 seconds late.
However, many of the parents have come out in support of the swimming coach and his training methods.
Warning: This video can be distressing to some viewers. Caution advised.
Parents come out in support of coach
The club’s management checked the CCTV footage of the club to verify the video and suspended the coach but parents protested against the management’s decision.
A group of parents came out in support of the coach saying they were aware and approved of the means he applied to train their kids to compete at national level.
“We do not have any grievance against him,” the group says in a letter signed by all the parents and circulated to the media.
Source: Supplied
“Our kids represent our city at State and National level under the able guidance of Sir Hardik Patel. It is under his exceptional coaching that our kids could reach their maximum potential.
“We are aware about his way of teaching and style of bringing out the best from our children.
“We, the parents stand by the coach in this situation,” the letter reads.
Inquiry launched
The Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has initiated an inquiry. Jagruti Pandya, the chairperson of Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, ordered a district child protection officer to investigate the matter and submit a report.
The swimming club's president, Jagdish Patel, told reporters he has formed a three-member committee comprising members of the board to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report within 15 days.
Widespread outrage
Many expressed their anger and outrage after seeing the video which was uploaded to social media.
Many spoke out against the coach and the parents.
Share
