Indore shocker: 2 Australian Women's World Cup cricketers 'stalked', 'molested'; suspect arrested

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

Also Read: BCCI condemns molestation of Australian cricketers in Indore; promises to revisit safety protocols, tighten security

The police on Friday arrested the man involved in the incident that occurred on the Khajrana Road area, on Thursday morning, an official said.

Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi said that the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a cafe when a man on a motorcycle started following them. He allegedly touched one of them inappropriately and rode off, she said.

The duo contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security liaison officers and dispatched a vehicle for assistance.

On receiving information, Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the two players, recorded their statements and registered a first information report under Section 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.

The official said that a bystander noted the vehicle number, based on which the accused, Akil Khan, was apprehended. “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) also issued a statement. “MPCA is deeply shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct on inappropriate behaviour with two players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team on the streets of Indore near the team’s hotel. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident," it read.

"It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience on continue to compete with courage on determination, carrying the pride of their nation on their shoulders in the match against South Africa. As the host, MPCA extends apologies to the players for this deeply distressing on unfortunate incident. The local police and administration have consistently demonstrated diligence in ensuring players’ security during official movements. MPCA sincerely appreciates the local police for their swift on determined action in identifying the accused,” said MPCA secretary, Sudhir Asnani.