Two Australian cricketers molested in Indore, accused arrested

Two Australian women cricketers participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup were allegedly stalked and molested in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, just two days before their top-of-the-table match against South Africa.

According to police, the incident occurred on October 23 morning near Khajrana Road as the players were walking from the Radisson Blu Hotel to a nearby cafe. A man on a motorcycle followed the duo and allegedly touched one of them inappropriately before fleeing.

The players immediately contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local authorities to ensure their safety. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the players, recorded their statements, and filed a first information report under sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at MIG police station.

Police identified and arrested the accused, Aqeel Khan, with help from a bystander who noted the motorcycle number. Authorities confirmed that Khan has a prior criminal record and the investigation is ongoing.

The Australian team, stationed in Indore for the past week, played England the day before the incident. They are set to face South Africa on October 23 and will then move to either Guwahati or Mumbai for the semi-finals, depending on their schedule.

This incident adds to growing concerns about women’s safety in public spaces, echoing warnings from ultramarathon runner Ashwini Ganapathi, who has highlighted the persistent harassment women face on Indian streets.