An Indian man accused of attempting to grope two Australian women’s cricket players in Indore has been arrested and appeared to suffer serious injuries while in police custody.
The suspect as 30-year-old Aqeel Khan. He has been charged under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering assault or use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty, and stalking.
Police apprehended him on Thursday evening after a targeted search operation using a motorcycle registration number provided by a witness. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra confirmed the arrest and said the accused has prior criminal history.
The alleged incident occurred on Thursday morning as members of the Australian squad walked from their hotel on Ring Road to a nearby café ahead of their final league match of the ICC Women’s World Cup against South Africa.
According to reports, a man on a motorcycle followed the pair before allegedly touching them inappropriately. The players triggered an SOS alert and notified their security team.
Cricket Australia confirmed the matter in a statement: “CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore.”
“The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
Australia’s security manager, Danny Simmons, lodged a formal complaint at the MIG police station later that day.
Footage broadcast locally showed Khan handcuffed and struggling to walk while under police escort, with CNN-News18 reporting he suffered a broken arm and leg.
Indore’s Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya thanked the Australian team’s security staff for swift cooperation:
“A case was registered on Thursday night, and the accused has been arrested under an intensive strategic operation.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India issued a strong statement condemning the incident. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said: “This is a deeply regrettable and isolated incident. India has always been known for its warmth, hospitality, and care towards all guests. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts. We appreciate the swift and effective action taken by the Madhya Pradesh Police in apprehending the accused.”
“The law will take its due course to ensure justice is served. We will also review our existing safety protocols and strengthen them further, if necessary, to ensure such incidents are not repeated.”
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association also said it was “deeply pained and shocked”, offering apologies to the Australian contingent.
Counselling support was made available to the players, who chose to continue with the tournament.
Despite the ordeal, Australia produced a commanding performance, with leg-spinner Alana King taking a remarkable 7-18 to secure a seven-wicket win over South Africa.
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