Bhubaneswar, Feb. 8 -- Arjuna award-winning Indian hockey player Varun Kumar has withdrawn from the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar after being accused of rape under the stringent POCSO act.

As per Varun, it is a calculated attempt to extort money from him. He has withdrawn from the mega event to explore his legal options against the allegation.

As per sources, the ace defender has been granted urgent leave from national duty by Hockey India after he stated that the incident has taken a toll on his 'physical and mental health'.

Bengaluru Police booked Varun after a woman accused the defender of sexually abusing her multiple times when she was a minor.

As per the allegation by the woman, she came in contact with Varun in 2018 through Ins...