Women's World Cup 2025: Two Australian players, who are participating in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup hosted in India, were allegedly molested and stalked by a man on a bike in Indore.
According to a report by PTI, both players, renowned in the cricket world, were walking from their Hotel Radisson Blue towards the cafe, when a miscreant on a bike not only teased them but also touched the players inappropriately.
The report further stated that the police have arrested the man involved in the incident that occurred on the Khajrana Road area on Thursday morning.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi stated that the two players had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a café when a man on a motorcycle started following them, as PTI reported.
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The Sub-Inspector also stated that the miscreant allegedly touched one of them inappropriately and rode off.
"The duo contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security liaison officers and dispatched a vehicle for assistance," the news agency PTI stated.
On getting 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 further stated that a bystander noted the suspect's motorcycle number, based on which the accused, Akil Khan, was arrested.
"Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case," Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi added.
As per ANI, Additional DCP Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotiya sated that after the complaint the accused was arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation, adding that the incident occurred around 11 am on 23rd October. He also stated that they are looking into the matter if there were any "shortfalls in the security protocols."
"The Security officers of the women's Australian Cricket Team filed a complaint that two members of the team faced inappropriate behaviour. An FIR was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation. The accused Aqueel is a resident of Azadnagar. He has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the BNS. The incident occurred around 11 am on 23rd October, when members of the women's Australian Cricket Team were walking towards a cafe from their hotel. We are examining if there were any shortfalls in the security protocols."
Meanwhile, Australia women's cricket team are gearing up to take on South Africa in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Saturday.
(With Agency Inputs)