A disturbing incident occurred in Indore on Thursday morning, involving two Australian women cricketers who are in India to participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The players were allegedly molested while walking from their hotel to a nearby café, prompting immediate action from their security team and local police.
The cricketers, staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel with the rest of the Australian squad, sent an SOS notification as soon as the incident occurred. Danny Simmons, the team’s security manager, responded promptly and coordinated with local security liaison officers to ensure the safety of the players.
Arrest of the accused
Following the complaint, the MIG Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The suspect, identified as Aqeel Khan, was riding a motorcycle and allegedly followed the players before inappropriately touching one of them and fleeing the scene. A bystander noted the motorcycle’s registration number, which helped authorities quickly locate and arrest the accused. Officials confirmed that Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and further investigation is ongoing.
Police response
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi stated that the two cricketers were walking in the Khajrana Road area when the incident occurred. Upon receiving the alert, Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the players, recorded their statements, and ensured all safety protocols were followed.
Local authorities emphasised that immediate action, combined with the team’s security measures, helped prevent further harm to the athletes. The police have assured continued monitoring and enhanced security for all visiting teams during the tournament.
Impact on the ICC Women’s World Cup
The incident has raised concerns about player safety during the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup in India. The Australian cricket board has called for strict safety measures and close coordination with local authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
While the matches are continuing as scheduled, this event has sparked discussions on strengthening security protocols for international athletes in the country.
Conclusion
The quick response by both the team security personnel and the Indore Police ensured the prompt arrest of the accused, highlighting the importance of vigilance and coordination. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have promised stringent action against those responsible, reinforcing the safety of players and women in the city.