A football coach from a training academy in Heingang, Imphal East district, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting at least 11 minor trainees, police said on Sunday.

Sources indicate that the case surfaced after one of the victims, a juvenile boy, disclosed the abuse to his family. The revelation led the parents to approach law enforcement, resulting in the registration of a case and the subsequent arrest of the coach.

The serious allegations have triggered widespread outrage in the local community. The father of one of the victims has demanded strict legal action and a lifetime ban on the coach from working with children in any capacity.

Police have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. Further details are awaited as the inquiry progresses.