In a troubling incident that has raised concerns over safety protocols, two members of the Australian Women’s cricket team were reportedly harassed by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore, India. The incident, which took place on Thursday morning, was swiftly reported to local police by the team’s security personnel, leading to the arrest of the accused.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the event in a statement, noting that the players were approached and touched inappropriately. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Devajit Saikia, condemned the act, describing it as a “very condemnable but stray incident” and emphasized India’s reputation for hospitality and care.
Swift Action by Authorities
The accused, identified as Aqueel Khan, was apprehended late Thursday night after a bystander recorded his motorcycle’s registration number. Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) in Indore, stated that the accused has a history of criminal behavior, and investigations into his past are ongoing. “We received a complaint from the Australian security team and acted promptly to arrest the individual,” Dandotiya told The Indian Express.
The incident occurred on Khajrana Road, where the players were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, lodged a complaint following a distress alert from one of the players. According to police reports, the cricketers were followed by the motorcyclist, who attempted to grab one of them before fleeing the scene.
Community and Institutional Reactions
In response to the incident, Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met with the players to record their statements. An FIR was subsequently registered under sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, addressing assault and stalking. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) expressed deep regret over the incident.
MPCA Secretary Sudhir Asnani stated, “The MPCA is deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behavior with two players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team on the streets of Indore near the team hotel. Our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident.”
“Over the years, Indore is rated as a safe venue for visiting teams and dignitaries from other fields as well. It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city’s image,” Asnani added.
Implications and Future Measures
The incident has prompted discussions on the adequacy of security measures for international sports teams visiting India. BCCI Secretary Saikia assured that the board would revisit and potentially tighten safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. “We appreciate the State Police (Madhya Pradesh) for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit,” Saikia remarked.
This development follows the Australian women’s team playing against England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore just a day before the incident. Despite the ordeal, the team continues to focus on their matches, demonstrating resilience and determination.
The incident not only highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of international athletes but also underscores the broader societal issues of women’s safety in public spaces. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and reinforcing security measures to protect visiting teams in the future.
