Two Australian women cricketers, currently in India for the ICC Women’s World Cup, were allegedly harassed in Indore while walking from their hotel to a nearby café on Thursday, according to Indian media reports.
The players immediately sent out an SOS alert following the incident, prompting security personnel to rush to the scene.
Danny Simmons, the Australian team’s security manager, lodged a formal complaint at the MIG police station later that evening.
Acting on the complaint, police swiftly registered an FIR and arrested the suspect, identified as Aqeel, who was reportedly riding a motorcycle at the time of the incident.
The players, staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel along with their teammates, were targeted on Khajrana Road, where the accused allegedly followed them and inappropriately touched one of the players before fleeing, officials said.
According to Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi, the cricketers immediately contacted their team security officer, who coordinated with local authorities and dispatched assistance.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra later met the players, recorded their statements, and confirmed that a First Information Report had been registered under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The incident has raised concerns over player security during major international tournaments being hosted in India.
The official said that a bystander noted the suspect’s motorcycle number, based on which the accused, Aqeel Khan, was apprehended.
“Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is ongoing,” she added.
Cricket Australia statement
Two members of Australia’s Women’s Cricket World Cup team have reportedly been “touched inappropriately” while walking in India.
In a statement, Cricket Australia said the duo were walking to a cafe in Indore when they were approached by someone on a motorcycle.
CA said the duo were harassed by a person on a motorcycle, and the team had alerted police.
“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,” CA’s statement read.
“The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
Australia plays its final pool match of the tournament on Saturday against South Africa, before next week’s semi-final.
