Indian athlete arrested over sex abuse in U.S.

A 24-year-old snowshoe athlete from Indian-controlled Kashmir was arrested in the United States on charges of sexually abusing a minor girl.

Tanveer Hussain was in Saranac Lake, New York, to participate in the 2017 world snowshoe championship, held last month.

Hussain, who has been remanded in jail, has denied charges and his attorney has entered not-guilty petition in the case.

U.S. media reports quoting Saranac Lake police said the girl told them there was a "passionate kiss" between the two and that Hussain "touched her in an intimate area on top of her clothing."

According to police department, the assault took place on Monday in a village in the Adirondack Mountains and girl's parents lodged a complaint with police on Wednesday. Hussain faced charges of sexual abuse and child welfare endangerment.

Hussain's family in Indian-controlled Kashmir told media that they were shocked to learn about his arrest.

"We feel some misunderstanding has taken place but since he has been provided legal aid, we are hopeful about his release honorably," Yunis Ali, Hussain's brother said.

In January Hussain and his coach made headlines in the media after being denied visa by U.S. embassy in New Delhi. However, the duo later on managed to travel after getting visa following intense lobbying by U.S. activists and senators. Endit