Indore stalking-molestation case shames India

THE Indore stalking and molestation incident, in which two Australian cricketers were targeted, is a huge embarrassment for a country that aspires to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games. The players, who are taking part in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, had stepped out of their hotel on Thursday morning and were walking towards a café when a motorcycle-borne man started following them. He touched one of them inappropriately before speeding away. It took the police a day and a half to nab the accused, who has a criminal record. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took its own time condemning the deplorable act, while the state cricket authorities hinted that the two players possibly violated the security protocol — an insinuation that was denied outright by the Australian team.

The lapse is even more glaring as Indore is regarded as a safe city for visiting teams. It is obvious that there is no room for complacency over players’ safety. The shocking case is a wake-up call for organisers of international events across the country. Foreigners, particularly tourists, are regarded as soft targets for sexual predators in India. This year, a French tourist was raped in Rajasthan, while an Israeli visitor was sexually assaulted in Karnataka. The restricted movement of foreign players ought to make them less vulnerable to sexual crimes, but the Indore incident shows that gaps in security can be exploited by offenders.

The Commonwealth Sport General Assembly, which meets next month, is set to put its stamp on Ahmedabad as the host of the 2030 Games. Organising such a major event will pose myriad challenges for India. Ensuring the safety and convenience of sportspersons from all over the world should be a top priority. With India’s global image at stake, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) should not remain a mere slogan.