2 Australian women cricketers ‘stalked, sexually harassed’ in Madhya Pradesh, accused held

In a statement, Cricket Australia (CA) said, “CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called it a “very condemnable but stray incident”.

“India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. 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. We assure to revisit our safety protocols if  required to further tighten the security,” Saikia said.

Police identified the accused as Aqueel Khan, who was arrested late Thursday night after a bystander noted down his motorcycle registration number.

“We received a complaint from the Australian security team that two players faced inappropriate behaviour while returning to their hotel. A case was registered the same night, and the accused was arrested. The accused has previous criminal cases, and we are looking into his record,” Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional DCP (Crime Branch), Indore, told The Indian Express.

The players were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Indore.

According to police, the incident occurred in the Khajrana Road area on Thursday morning. The two cricketers stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a cafe when the man started following them on his motorcycle, allegedly touched one of them inappropriately, and rode off, police said.

According to police, the team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, lodged a complaint after receiving a distress alert from one of the players.

Simmons told police that he received a live location notification at 11.08 am from a player indicating distress. Said a senior police officer, “The cricketer sent a live location to Simmoms informing him that the accused was following them and had tried to grab one of them.”

A few minutes later, the player called Simmons, reporting that a man on a motorcycle had come dangerously close and tried to touch one of them. Both players resisted, and the accused fled.

The man was described as about 30 years old, wearing a white shirt and a black cap, and riding a black motorcycle without a helmet.

Following the alert, the team’s liaison officers and a police patrol unit reached the location and escorted the players back to their hotel. CCTV footage from the area was also retrieved.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra later met the two players and recorded their statements. Subsequently, an FIR was registered under sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Australian women’s team played England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday, a day before the incident.

Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) secretary Sudhir Asnani said in a statement, “The MPCA is deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with two players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team on the streets of Indore near the team hotel. 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 the 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.”

“Over the years, Indore is rated as a safe venue for visiting teams and dignitaries from other fields as well. It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city’s image. As the host, MPCA extends apologies to the players for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident while in our city, known for safety, grace, and hospitality,” Asrani said.