Two Australian Women Cricketers Allegedly Molested in Indore; Police Arrest Accused with Criminal Record
Two women cricketers from Australia who are playing the Women’s ODI World Cup were allegedly sexually assaulted in Indore. The suspect was arrested by police following complaints made by members of the team staff.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 25: Two Australian women cricketers, who are here for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, were allegedly stalked and molested by a motorcycle-borne man in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, police said on Saturday (October 25). The incident happened 48 hours before Australia were due to face South Africa in the tournament's top of the table clash.
Incident Near Hotel
The police said that two cricketers were being followed by Aqeel Khan and one of them had been molested. The incident took place in the Khajrana Road area on Thursday morning when they were on their way from the Radisson Blu Hotel to a cafe.
They called their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who reached out to the local security liaison officers and sent a car for help. Acting on the information, assistant commissioner of police Himani Mishra recorded statements of these two players and registered offenses under section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman's modesty) and 78 (stalking) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at MIG police station.
Swift Police Action
The suspect, Aqeel Khan, was tracked down after a passerby jotted down the motorcycle number of his vehicle, said the official.
Accused’s Criminal Past
Khan has a criminal history, Indore crime branch additional superintendent of police (ASP) Rajesh Dandotiya said. He said, “He was booked in 12 different cases of theft, robbery, voluntarily causing hurt, house trespassing and under Arms Act in nine police stations in the past 13 years.”
He also added, “When a police team tried to nab him, he tried to escape but he fell and got injured in his leg and hand. He confessed the crime and said he was just saying hello to them out of curiosity.”
Official Response
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) said that following this “deeply distressing and unfortunate incident”, the association apologised to the players.
MPCA said, “No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and dignity of women.
It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience and continue to compete with courage and determination, carrying the pride of their nation on their shoulders in the match against South Africa on Saturday,” in the statement.
Security Review
MPCA stated that they are also probing into the matter whether the players had applied for securing cover for their movement outside the hotel and there was any request for security or the players moved out without such a request.
Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia praised the police for their quick action.
He said, "It is a very unfortunate incident. This type of incident brings disrepute. We appreciate the State Police (Madhya Pradesh) for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit."
The Australian cricket team has been in Indore for a week. They faced England on Wednesday, the day before the episode occurred. Australia will face South Africa on Thursday before flying to either Guwahati or Mumbai - depending on the team who wins through to meet them in the other semi-final.
