Following the shocking incident of stalking and molestation of two Australian women cricketers in broad daylight on a busy road in Indore, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) tendered an apology but also drew criticism for hinting that part of the blame might lie with the victims.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, MPCA Honorary Secretary Sudhir Asnani said, “In this unfortunate incident, it shall be examined whether the players had sought security cover for their movement outside the hotel, or whether the movement occurred in the absence of any such request.”
The two players were reportedly walking around 11 am from their team hotel to a nearby café, located barely 500 meters away. It is surprising that the MPCA considers even such a short and routine walk to require a prior request for security cover.
In contrast, Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya strongly condemned the incident, calling it “shameful” and demanding strict action against those involved.
“This is a matter concerning the country’s prestige and honour,” said Vijayvargiya, who hails from Indore and has previously served as President of the MPCA.
The MPCA is currently headed by Maharaj Aryaman Scindia, son of Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has also served as MPCA President in the past.
Despite its contentious remark, the MPCA did express remorse and issued an official apology over the shameful incident.
“The MPCA is deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with the two players. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone in MPCA, which upholds the values of respect, safety, and dignity of women,” the statement read.
“As the host, MPCA extends sincere apologies to the Australian women’s team for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident while in our city, known for its safety, grace, and hospitality,” the statement added.
However, the same statement reiterated, “It is essential to examine whether the players had sought security cover for their movement outside the hotel, or whether the movement occurred without any such request.”
The shameful incident occurred on Khajrana Road on Thursday around 11 am when a motorcycle-borne man allegedly stalked the two players, passed lewd comments, and inappropriately touched one of them.
Police have arrested the accused, identified as Aqueel Khan, who has been booked 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.
The Australian women’s team had played its group-stage match against South Africa at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on the same day as the incident, as part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Displaying remarkable composure and resilience, the Australian team went on to deliver a commanding performance, bowling out South Africa for just 97 runs and securing victory by seven wickets in only 16.5 overs.