2 Aussie cricketers stalked, molested in MP

Two Australian cricketers, taking part in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, were allegedly stalked, and one of them was molested by a man on a motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, the police said on Saturday. The suspect has been arrested.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) termed it a “condemnable but stray incident”, which occurred on Thursday, a day after Australia’s six-wicket victory over England in the group stage of the Women’s World Cup.

Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi said the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a café in the Khajrana Road area when a man on a motorcycle started following them. He allegedly touched one of them inappropriately and rode off, she said. The two contacted their team security officer Danny Simmons and shared their live location. He then passed it on to the local security liaison officer, following which a police team arrived at the scene, the FIR stated.

ACP Himani Mishra recorded the players’ statements and registered a case under Sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG police station.

Raghuvanshi said a bystander noted the suspect’s bike number, based on which the accused, Akil Khan, was apprehended. “Khan is already facing criminal cases, and an investigation in the case is on,” she added. The BCCI promised to revisit its safety protocols and further tighten the security ahead of the knock-out stage of the World Cup. “India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. We appreciate the state police for prompt action,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) also expressed shock and anguish over the incident, saying “no one should ever have to endure such trauma”.

“The MPCA is deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with two players from Australia. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident,” said the MPCA statement.

Cricket Australia also confirmed that two members of the women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist.

MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya termed it a shameful incident and said strict action should be taken against those involved. “This is a matter concerning the country’s prestige and honour,” the senior BJP leader said.