The Australian women’s team is in Indore for Saturday’s crucial group-stage clash against South Africa that will determine the top spot on the points table as the tournament moves toward the semifinals.
Photo: IANS
Cricket Australia confirmed on Saturday that two of its women’s team members, currently participating in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup in Indore, were molested and “touched inappropriately” while walking to a cafe in the city on Thursday.
The Australian women’s team is in Indore for Saturday’s crucial group-stage clash against South Africa that will determine the top spot on the points table as the tournament moves toward the semifinals. However, the shocking incident has cast a shadow over the contest.
Advertisement
In a statement, Cricket Australia said, “CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
Advertisement
Following the report, police arrested the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, on Khajrana Road on Thursday morning. According to officials, the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel and were walking to a cafe when a man on a motorcycle began following them, inappropriately touched one of them and fled the scene.
The players immediately contacted their team’s security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local liaison officers and arranged for a vehicle to escort them. Police examined CCTV footage, hotel logs and statements from security personnel before tracing and arresting the accused.
According to police, “The incident occurred at around 11 am on Thursday when the two players were en-route to a cafe situated approximately half a kilometer away from the hotel.”
Senior officials later met the players, recorded their statements and filed a First Information Report under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG police station.
A police official said a bystander’s recollection of the suspect’s motorcycle number led to Khan’s arrest late Friday night. “The suspect’s motorcycle aligned precisely with the eyewitness description and number plate,” the official said, adding, “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is ongoing.”
Authorities stated that Khan, riding a black motorcycle, approached the players, slowed down, inappropriately touched them, and then sped away.
BCCI secy Saikia condemns it as a ‘shameful’ act
Condemning the incident in Indore, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia termed it ‘unfortunate’ and apologised to the Australian women’s team for the ‘shameful’ act.
“This is a very unfortunate and shameful incident. Nobody expected such a thing in India as we are known for our hospitality. We are extremely sorry for this unfortunate incident,” he said while assuring that the security around all the teams will be revamped following the incident.
“We are also happy that the police have taken prompt action in nabbing the culprit at the earliest. Although there is already a security ring within all the visiting teams during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup we will revamp it and ensure that no such things happen in future. We also hope everything will go smoothly for the remaining World Cup games,” he added.
MPCA prez expresses shock
Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) president Mahanaaryaman Scindia, has expressed distress over the unfortunate molestation incident.
“I am deeply distressed, shocked, and saddened by the unfortunate incident involving two players of the Australian women’s cricket team in Indore. No woman should have to face such inappropriate behavior. Our deepest sympathies are with the affected players. This incident is extremely painful not only for the players but also for the entire sports world and for our state and city. The whole of Madhya Pradesh, especially Indore, has always been renowned for the honor and safety of its guests. One individual’s inappropriate conduct has dealt a blow to this esteemed image, leaving us all deeply saddened,” Scindia wrote on social media.
“We appreciate the swift and firm action taken by the local administration and police, who promptly identified and arrested the accused. MPCA stands in full solidarity with the affected players and the Australian team during this difficult time and is committed to providing every possible assistance to the investigating agencies,” he added.
Advertisement
